Archive for November 2017

ISU defensive back accepts East-West Shrine Game invitation

ISU defensive back accepts East-West Shrine Game invitation
Illinois State defensive back Davontae Harris has been selected to play in the annual East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 20 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Harris, listed at 6-foot and 205 pounds by ISU, recently became earned Missouri Valley Football Conference first team honors for the second-consecutive season. That made Harris the first Redbird defensive back to... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 30, 2017 at 11:04 am
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Moving the Chains with . . . WIU safety (and center fielder) Justin Fitzpatrick

Moving the Chains with . . . WIU safety (and center fielder) Justin Fitzpatrick
In the spring you’ll find Western Illinois athlete Justin Fitzpatrick running from the baseball diamond to the football field. The rest of the year you’ll find him in the weight room and in the classroom. All that hard work and dedication has paid off for the Leatherneck in center field and in the Western defensive... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 28, 2017 at 5:00 am
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WIU Leathernecks garner four first-team all-conference spots

WIU Leathernecks garner four first-team all-conference spots
Capping its playoff-qualifying season, Western Illinois garnered four spots on the Missouri Valley Football Conference first team, the league announced Monday. Led by First-Teamers Brett Taylor, Jaelon Acklin, Jacob Judd and Khalen Saunders, 10 different Western Illinois Leathernecks were named to the All-MVFC team. In addition, Justin Fitzpatrick and Steve McShane–both of whom also play baseball... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 27, 2017 at 6:20 pm
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Four ISU Redbirds showcased on all-conference first team

Four ISU Redbirds showcased on all-conference first team
Four Illinois State Redbirds were showcased as All-Missouri Valley Football Conference first team selections, the league announced Monday. Seniors Dalton Keene, Davontae Harris and Sean Slattery were selected along with sophomore James Robinson in the annual vote of league head coaches, sports information directors and media. In addition, junior Spencer Schnell and senior Alec Kocour landed... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 27, 2017 at 5:52 pm
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Saluki punter lands on All-Missouri Valley first team

Saluki punter lands on All-Missouri Valley first team
Redshirt sophomore Lane Reazin was selected as the Missouri Valley Football Conference first team punter, league officials announced Monday. Reazin, a transfer from Oklahoma State, earned first-team All-MVFC honors after leading the MVFC and ranking seventh nationally in punting average (43.6). Reazin led SIU to a net punting average of 38.3 yards, which was second... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 27, 2017 at 3:36 pm
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Leathernecks' season ends with 21-19 playoff loss

Leathernecks' season ends with 21-19 playoff loss
Western Illinois football has used the mantra “Finish the Fight” all season long. The Leathernecks fought until the bitter end Saturday but dropped a 21-19 decision to host Weber State in first-round FCS playoff action. A week after winning a share of the Big Sky Conference title, Weber State quarterback Stefan Cantwell threw for three touchdowns... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 25, 2017 at 7:41 pm
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Weber State: get to know Western Illinois' 1st-round foe

Weber State: get to know Western Illinois' 1st-round foe
Western Illinois makes its 11th appearance in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs Saturday when the Leathernecks play at Weber State. Whether WIU fans are traveling to Utah for the game or just watching it on ESPN3 or listening on the radio, here’s a primer on the Leathernecks’ opponent: Weber State University Founded:  1889 Enrollment:  27,949 Nickname:  Wildcats... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 24, 2017 at 1:00 pm
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WIU hits road again, but this time for FCS playoffs

WIU hits road again, but this time for FCS playoffs
Western Illinois has packed its bags, uploaded a road trip mix of music and heads out on the highway yet again. But this time around, it’s for the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs, which begin this weekend. The Leathernecks travel to Ogden, Utah to play Weber State at 3 p.m. Saturday in a first-round matchup.... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 24, 2017 at 6:00 am
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Askin headlines seven EIU Panthers honored by Ohio Valley Conference

Askin headlines seven EIU Panthers honored by Ohio Valley Conference
Seven Eastern Illinois Panthers were honored by the Ohio Valley Conference for their strong performances this past football season, according to a university release. Senior guard Austin Askin earned first team All-OVC honors while Louis Vailopa, Isaiah Johnson, David Johnson, Nick Horne and Bradley Dewberry all were named to the OVC second team. Transfer Alexander Hollins was an All-OVC Newcomer... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 22, 2017 at 3:18 pm
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Western's Taylor named Missouri Valley Defensive Player of Year

Western's Taylor named Missouri Valley Defensive Player of Year
Western Illinois linebacker Brett Taylor has been named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year, the league office announced Wednesday.  A senior from Macomb, Taylor tops the nation in tackles (150), tackles per game (13.6) and assisted stops (90), respectively. Taylor has also compiled 13.0 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, four breakups,... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 22, 2017 at 10:48 am
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