In Illinois, you're not a local treasure who's made good until you receive your own official day. It's a big honor. Just ask Casimir Pulaski, who helped win the American Revolution. Or Mark Buehrle, who pitched a perfect game that one time. Getting your own day in Chicago, or in Illinois, means you've done something worth celebrating. The people, or at least the elected officials who get to decide who gets honored with which public good, officially love you.

I can't say that attitude has ever come through in Chicago's relationship with native son and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, though Krzyzewski has always maintained his love for the city that he credits for toughening him with a blue-collar work ethic. Either way, Chicago now officially loves Coach K. Coach K has his own day.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago has declared Sept. 15 to be Mike Krzyzewski Day. The honor coincides with Coach K's induction into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, as well as his reception of the 2009-10 Ray Meyer College Coach of the Year Award. Both honors will be conferred on Sept. 15 at Hawthorne Race Course, a thoroughbred racing track in Cicero, Ill., a southwest suburb of Chicago. Which is as good a venue as any for giving a sports award, I guess.

Anyway, now you know. If you happen to be in Chicago on Sept. 15, remember to tip your glass to Coach K. Or just do whatever you were doing before. Your call. But you have to admit: Having your own day would be pretty cool.