First-year coach & EIU alum Wilkerson focuses on connection with players during spring practice

Eastern Illinois head coach Chris Wilkerson has returned to his alma mater to lead the Panthers. (photo courtesy Sandy King, EIU Athletics) Chris Wilkerson hits a milestone birthday next month, yet the Eastern Illinois football coach got perhaps his best present in January when he was hired by his alma mater. Wilkerson, who turns 50... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
March 29, 2022 at 6:30 am
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WIU opens spring practice with a 'pound the rock' philosophy

Western Illinois opens spring practice Friday. (photo courtesy goleathernecks.com) Newly hired Western Illinois head coach Myers Hendrickson knows his surroundings well, but it’s spring practice that will allow the 32-year-old and his staff to learn more about their team. Hendrickson, who turns 33 next month, was hired in December as the 31st head coach in... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
March 22, 2022 at 8:57 am
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Newly hired WIU head coach Hendrickson strives for a return of 'Leatherneck legacy'

Western Illinois University graduate & former player Myers Hendrickson was hired by his alma mater in December. (photo courtesy goleathernecks.com) Myers Hendrickson first came to Macomb in 1999 at the age of 11 when his father, Mark, was on the Western Illinois coaching staff. Mark Hendrickson served as Leatherneck offensive coordinator 1999 to 2007 and... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
February 22, 2022 at 6:00 am
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National signing day, Feb. 2022: Southern Illinois Salukis

Southern Illinois found a replacement for former middle linebacker Bryce Notree in the NCAA transfer portal this month. (Photo by SIUSalukis.com) Balancing a college football roster throughout the COVID-19 pandemic provided a major challenge to coaches across the country. “It’s a constant process,” Southern Illinois head coach Nick Hill said. “The roster is changing more... Read more »
By Barry Bottino,
February 8, 2022 at 7:44 pm
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National Signing Day, Feb. 2022: Illinois State Redbirds

Former Minnesota quarterback Zach Annexstad transferred to Illinois State (USA Today photo) While the bulk of Illinois State’s 2022 recruiting class was signed in December (see link below), Wednesday’s National Signing Day may hold the spark to last fall’s lackluster offense. https://www.chicagonow.com/prairie-state-pigskin/2021/12/national-signing-day-dec-2021-illinois-state-redbirds/ Former University of Minnesota quarterback Zach Annexstad was one of six FBS transfers... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
February 4, 2022 at 6:43 am
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National Signing Day, Feb. 2022: Eastern Illinois Panthers

Chris Wilkerson’s first Eastern Illinois recruiting class was made up of 12 players, including nine who have previous college or prep school experience. (Photo via EIUPanthers.com) New Eastern Illinois head football coach Chris Wilkerson brought nine seasons of previous head coaching experience to Charleston when he was hired last month to replace Adam Cushing. His... Read more »
By Barry Bottino,
February 2, 2022 at 8:02 pm
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National signing day, Feb. 2022: Western Illinois Leathernecks

Newly hired Western Illinois head coach Myers Hendrickson revealed his first signing class Wednesday. (photo courtesy goleathernecks.com) Myers Hendrickson, a former Western Illinois player, announced the first recruiting class as head coach at his alma mater Wednesday. Hired in December, Hendrickson and his staff inked 17 players they believe will retool the Leathernecks after WIU... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
February 2, 2022 at 7:38 pm
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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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