From 1996 to 2007, John Illig led the Bobcat women's squash team to a 150-87 mark. In 2000, Bates senior Emily Soisson was presented with the Wetzel Award. That same season, Illig and the Bates team won the Chaffee Award, an award presented to a coach whose team has demonstrated the qualities of sportsmanship, teamwork, character, and improvement. Illig also coached Aisha Shah to a Honorable mention All-American status in 2001 and a Second Team All-American position in 2002. During his 11 seasons, the Bobcats won the Kurtz Cup (B Division title) in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
In 2001, Illig added the men’s team to his coaching duties at Bates. He led the Bobcat men for six seasons and to a 93-43 record. In 2003, the Bates men were presented with the Sloane Award, which is given annually for team sportsmanship. During his final three seasons at Bates, 2004-05, 2005-06, and 2006-07, he coached Ricky Wiesskopf to Second Team All-American honors.
Illig began his coaching career at Colby College. During his five seasons leading the Mules, he amassed a 143-141 record. In 1995, he helped the Colby men win the Barnaby Award, which is given annually to the men’s team showing the most improvement from the previous season. Also in 1995, Illig coached Kate LaVigne to the Wetzel Award, which is presented to a senior woman who began playing squash in college and has progressed to a high level of skill, demonstrates sound understanding of the game, and exhibits good sportsmanship and a positive demeanor on the court.
While in college, Illig played varsity squash and tennis. After starting his collegiate career at Trinity College, Illig transferred to the University of Rochester, where he played for legendary coach and Men’s College Squash Association Lifetime Achievement Award winner Peter Lyman. He graduated from Rochester in 1986 with a degree in English Literature.
