Martinez, Birks capture Dike Eddleman Awards

Wrestler Isaiah Martinez and volleyball player Jocleynn Birks were named the University of Illinois’ top male and female athletes Thursday. Here are some reasons why they were selected:

The case for Martinez

1. Win a national championship and it’s almost a no-brainer. Record two straight national titles, like the redshirt sophomore has done in his first two years on the mat, and it’s his honor to lose. Martinez may leave Illinois the best wrestler in the program’s long history.

2. Martinez was hardly tested for much of his 2015-16 season, compiling a 32-1 record at 157 pounds. The only loss of his college career happened at Huff Hall in January against Jason Nolf, but Martinez made up for it…