Archive for July 2017

Illinois FCS programs kicking off preseason training camps

The state’s four Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams open preseason camps as they prepare for the 2017 college football season. Here’s our capsule look at each team. Eastern Illinois Head Coach:  Kim Dameron (3rd year) Conference:  Ohio Valley 2016 Record:  6-5 Last playoff appearance:  2015 Camp opens:  July 31 First Game:  Aug. 31 at Indiana... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
July 28, 2017 at 9:00 am
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Illinois FCS Stadium Series: O'Brien Field

O'Brien Field. (photo courtesy of EIU Athletics)
The following is the fourth in a photo gallery series of our state’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) stadiums. Today’s featured program is Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.
By Dan Verdun,
July 27, 2017 at 9:00 am
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Illinois FCS & the Canadian Football League: A Primer

While many Americans await the opening of NFL training camps, the Canadian Football League season is already in full swing. Two former Illinois FCS stars–Kevin Glenn and Anthony Thompson–are currently starting in the CFL. Here’s a rundown of the Illinois FCS players who have appeared on CFL rosters over the years (according to cflapedia.com): Southern... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
July 26, 2017 at 11:00 am
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Reactions from Big 10 reversal of no-FCS scheduling policy

Reactions from Big 10 reversal of no-FCS scheduling policy
Two years ago the Big Ten Conference instituted a no-FCS policy as a way for its members to strengthen scheduling for possible bids to the College Football Playoff. Now, just like a replay review, there appears to be a reversal of the call. Last week writer Jeff Kolpack of The Forum reported that: “A Big Ten... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
July 26, 2017 at 7:00 am
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Illinois State, Western land in middle of Missouri Valley preseason poll; Southern predicted 8th

Illinois State, Western land in middle of Missouri Valley preseason poll; Southern predicted 8th
This year’s Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason poll has Illinois State and Western Illinois in the middle of the pack while Southern Illinois checks in eighth in the 10-team league. Illinois State was one of the four playoff teams from the MVFC last year, and head coach Brock Spack’s Redbirds are tabbed fifth in this year’s... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
July 25, 2017 at 6:47 pm
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ESPN3 provides key exposure for state's FCS teams

ESPN3 provides key exposure for state's FCS teams
While Madonna lived in a material world back in the 1980s, the Football Championship Subdivision lives in a digital world today. Despite the different eras, both have been successful and provided exposure to fans. In addition, it’s been a boon for the Illinois FCS programs of Eastern, Southern, Western and Illinois State. “Let’s face it,... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
July 25, 2017 at 9:00 am
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Illinois native, EIU tight end Bounds named to Preseason All-Ohio Valley Team

Illinois native, EIU tight end Bounds named to Preseason All-Ohio Valley Team
Eastern Illinois senior tight end Addison Bounds has been named to the Preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference team. Meanwhile, head coach Kim Dameron’s Panthers wer picked to finish fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference as the league held its annual football media day in Nashville on Monday.  EIU was 6-5 last season. Bounds, from Fairbury, Ill.... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
July 24, 2017 at 10:59 am
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Lincoln Way North product lands on Preseason All-Missouri Valley Team

Lincoln Way North product lands on Preseason All-Missouri Valley Team
Senior offensive lineman Austin Olsen was named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason all-league unit Monday morning. The former Lincoln Way North High School star anchors the line for Nick Hill’s Southern Illinois Salukis. Olsen was among the first team selections. Sixteen total players from Illinois State, Southern Illinois and Western Illinois were named when... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
July 24, 2017 at 10:28 am
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Glenn 'an absolute joy' as ISU Redbird legend ascends Canadian football record book

Glenn 'an absolute joy' as ISU Redbird legend ascends Canadian football record book
Kevin Glenn has faced difficult situations in his football career, whether it was suffering a season-ending injury during Illinois State’s magical 1999 season that saw the Redbirds advance to the national semifinals or whether adversity came during his 17-year professional career in the Canadian Football League. Whatever the situation, the Detroit native has taken life... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
July 24, 2017 at 9:00 am
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Former SIU Saluki enjoying breakout season in native Canadian league

Former SIU Saluki enjoying breakout season in native Canadian league
Anthony Thompson grew up in Montreal. Like most Canadian athletes, he played hockey as a youth. “I also played basketball,” Thompson said Wednesday afternoon. “Football came in a bit later, but that’s the one I fell in love with.” Thompson became a Washington Redskins fan, mainly due to star defensive back Sean Taylor. “The NFL... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
July 21, 2017 at 9:00 am
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