If you attended the first Illinois men's basketball game this season — a home exhibition against Illinois Wesleyan — chances are you bumped into an usher named Blobaum. If you attended the first Illinois men's basketball game this season — a home exhibition against Illinois Wesleyan — chances are you bumped into an usher named Blobaum. Emil (81) and Carolyn Blobaum (78) have been fixtures at State Farm Center for years.