Archive for January 2022

New EIU football coach has former teammates 'thrilled that he's back'

Eastern Illinois head coach Chris Wilkerson (left) and Panthers’ athletic director Tom Michael (right) each spoke at Friday’s introductory media address. (photo courtesy Sandy King, EIU Athletics) When the news broke Jan. 11 that Eastern Illinois was suddenly without a head coach, alumni across the nation felt the sting and wondered aloud if the Panthers... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
January 31, 2022 at 5:45 am
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Eastern Illinois welcomes new head football coach Wilkerson 'home' to Charleston

New Eastern Illinois head football coach Chris Wilkerson (left) poses Friday at his introductory press conference with EIU athletic director Tom Michael. (Photo by EIUPanthers.com) When 49-year-old Chris Wilkerson was introduced Friday in Charleston as the new Eastern Illinois head football coach, he recalled a life-altering moment from high school. “Thirty-two years ago this Wednesday,... Read more »
By Barry Bottino,
January 28, 2022 at 7:13 pm
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Former EIU player, U of Chicago head coach Wilkerson tabbed to lead alma mater's football program

Former Eastern Illinois defensive tackle and University of Chicago head coach Chris Wilkerson has been named to lead the football program at his alma mater, EIU announced Wednesday morning. Wilkerson — who played for the Panthers from 1991 to ’94 and served as an EIU assistant coach from 1995 to 2001 —  replaces Adam Cushing, the... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
January 26, 2022 at 9:10 am
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5 burning questions for 2022: Southern Illinois edition

SIU quarterback Nic Baker had a record-setting season for the Salukis in 2021 and will be a key cog in the team’s high-powered offense next season. (Photo by SIUSalukis.com) No matter what position group you examine on the Southern Illinois football roster, a wildly impactful veteran has been part of the Salukis’ impressive run amid... Read more »
By Barry Bottino,
January 17, 2022 at 5:07 am
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Eastern Illinois head coach Adam Cushing departs Charleston for FBS Duke

Eastern Illinois head coach Adam Cushing is departing EIU after three seasons to coach the offensive line at FBS Duke. (Photo by Barry Bottino, Prairie State Pigskin) Adam Cushing arrived at Eastern Illinois as its head football coach in December 2018 with 15 years of experience as an FBS assistant at Northwestern under his belt.... Read more »
By Barry Bottino,
January 11, 2022 at 7:41 pm
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Grigsby becomes 1st Illinois State Redbird named to College Football Hall of Fame

James “Boomer” Grigsby has been named to the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame class. (Illinois State University photo) Illinois State University celebrated its 125th football season this past fall. There was more reason to celebrate to Monday when a former Redbird All-American became the first ISU player named to the College Football Hall of... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
January 10, 2022 at 5:06 pm
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