THIS IS REDBIRD FOOTBALL
High-Powered Offense
Dominating Defense
THE NUMBER OF POINTS ILLINOIS STATE HAS AT LEAST AVERAGED IN EACH OF THE LAST FOUR SEASONS
THE NUMBER OF TIMES AN ISU PLAYER HAS WON THE MISSOURI VALLEY FOOTBALL CONFERENCE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD IN THE PAST SEVEN YEARS
190
6
28
THE NUMBER OF PASS COMPLETIONS THE ISU OFFENSE HAS SURPASSED IN EACH OF THE LAST FIVE SEASONS
THE NUMBER OF TIMES A REDBIRD DEFENDER HAS LED THE CONFERENCE IN TACKLES DURING THE LAST SEVEN SEASONS
2,000
7
THE NUMBER OF TOTAL RUSHING YARDS THE REDBIRD OFFENSE HAS AT LEAST GAINED IN FIVE OF THE LAST SIX SEASONS
2
5
BUCK BUCHANAN FINALISTS, PRESENTED ANNUALLY TO THE NATION’S TOP FCS DEFENSIVE PLAYER.
TABLE OF CONTENTS UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
Location ........................................................................................................................Normal, Ill. Founded ................................................................................................................................1857 Enrollment ..........................................................................................................................20,450 Nickname.........................................................................................................................Redbirds School Colors ......................................................................................Red (PMS 186) and White Mascot ..................................................................................................................Reggie Redbird Affiliation .............................................................................NCAA Division I FCS (Formerly I-AA) Conference ...........................................................................Missouri Valley Football Conference President ............................................................................................................... Dr. Al Bowman Director of Athletics........................................................................................Dr. Sheahon Zenger Athletics Web site ...............................................................................................GoRedbirds.com
STADIUM INFORMATION
Stadium Name ...................................................................................................Hancock Stadium Field .................................................................................................................................FieldTurf Official Capacity..................................................................................................................15,000 First Year ...............................................................................................................................1963 First Game at Site.................................................................... Sept. 21, 1963 (ISU 12, Millikin 7) Largest Crowd ................................................21,500 on Oct. 31, 1970 (Indiana State 28, ISU 7) Record at Stadium ............................................................................................. 140-104-3 (.573) Most Consecutive Wins ........................................................................................ 10 (1998-2000)
COACHES & STAFF
Brock Spack ........................................................................................... Head Coach (First Year) Overall Record at Illinois State .......................................................................................First Year Jay Peterson....................................................................................... Assistant Head Coach/LBs Steve Farmer ........................................................................................ Offensive Coordinator/OL Phil Elmassian ................................................................................... Defensive Coordinator/DBs Lamar Conard.............................................................................................. Assistant Coach/DBs Luke Huard ..................................................................................................Assistant Coach/QBs Spence Nowinski ........................................................................................... Assistant Coach/DL Taylor Stubblefield ...................................................................................... Assistant Coach/WRs Jim Williams.........................................................Assistant Coach/TEs, H-Backs, Special Teams Holman Wiggins .......................................................................................... Assistant Coach/RBs Dan Shula ....................................................................................................... Offensive Assistant
PUBLICATION CREDITS
Writer, Design and Layout ......................................... Todd Kober, Mike Williams, Kevin McCarty Software ............................................................................................................. Adobe CS3 (PC) Cover Design .............................................................................................................. Shawn Billo Editorial Assistance ...........................................Alison Haake, Lauren Hutchcraft, Jimmy Knodel, Dick Luedke Photography ................................................. Dennis Banks, Jon Muzzarelli, Maureen O’Connor, Lyndsie Schlink, Jeff Soucek, Yary Photography, Normal Parks & Rec Printing ...........................................................................................Multi-Ad Services (Peoria, Ill.)
THIS IS REDBIRD FOOTBALL
This is Redbird Football ............................... 2 Redbird Football Quick Facts ...................... 3 Illinois State University ............................4-5 Bloomington-Normal .................................... 6 At The Center Of It All.................................. 7 Academic Success ...................................... 8 Scholar-Baller™ .......................................... 9 Hancock Stadium ................................. 10-11 Redbird Renaissance ...........................12-13 Kaufman Football Building....................14-15 Owen Strength & Conditioning Center ..... 16-17 Illinois Statements ................................18-19 All-Americans ........................................... 20 Redbirds In The Pros................................. 21 National Attention ...................................... 22 Media Exposure......................................... 23 Redbird Travel ........................................... 24 Coast-to-Coast .......................................... 25 Redbird Traditions ..................................... 26 Distinguished Alumni ................................. 27 Community Service ................................... 28 Missouri Valley Football Conference ......... 29 Athletic Training ......................................... 30
2008 REVIEW
Team & Individual Statistics ..................92-94 2008 Game Recaps..............................95-98
REDBIRD RECORDS
Rushing Records ..............................100-101 Passing Records ..............................102-103 Receiving Records ...........................104-105 Total Offense Records ......................106-107 All-Purpose Records................................ 108 Return Records .................................109-111 Scoring Records ................................112-113 Kicking Records.................................114-115 Punting Records ...................................... 116 Defensive Records ............................117-118 100-Yard Rushers.................................... 119 300-Yard Passers/100-Yard Receivers.... 120
REDBIRD HISTORY
Offense Outlook......................................... 32 Defense/Special Teams Outlook ............... 33 Rosters .................................................34-35 Personnel Breakdown ............................... 36 2009 Preseason Two Deep ....................... 37 Redbird Notebook...................................... 38
All-Americans ...................................122-124 Honors & Awards ..............................125-126 Redbird Letterwinners ......................127-130 All-Time Results ...............................131-141 Close Games/Overtime ........................... 142 Best Comebacks/Longest Plays .............. 143 In The Polls/Versus Ranked Teams ......... 144 Versus FBS Opponents ........................... 144 All-Time Homecoming Results ................ 145 Attendance History .................................. 145 Series Records ........................................ 146 Versus 2009 Opponents ...................147-148 Playoff History ..................................149-150
COACHES & STAFF
ISU ADMINISTRATION
2009 SEASON
Coach Biographies ...............................40-52 Support Staff.........................................53-54
2009 REDBIRDS
Player Bios ...........................................56-88
2009 OPPONENTS
2009 Opponent Information ....................... 90
University President/Board of Trustees ... 152 Director of Athletics.................................. 152 Athletics Administration ....................153-154
REDBIRD MEDIA
Media Information ............................156-158 ISU Athletics Media Relations ................. 159 Redbird Football Online ........................... 160
ON THE COVERS
On the front cover, starting clockwise from the top left-hand corner, are Geno Blow (22), Garin Harcar (35), Brandon Wilson (57), Eyad Salem (84), Doni Phelps (58) and Chris Garrett (25). The inside front cover and page one vividly show the pageantry surrounding Illinois State football on game days. The inside back cover showcases Illinois State and its beautiful campus. The back cover showcases all former ISU football players in professional leagues. If a special accommodation is needed, please call (309) 438-8000.
3
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
ILLINOIS STATE ACADEMICS
Teaching is at the root of Illinois State’s heritage and that tradition grows through the efforts of the outstanding faculty in all six of Illinois State’s colleges. More than 92 percent of Illinois State’s classes are taught by full-time faculty, most of whom have the highest degree in their academic area.
THE COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
• The Illinois State forensics team won the 2005 American Forensics Association National Championship. • The department of economics was recently ranked fifth in the nation for teacher quality and productivity. • Faculty and students in the department of philosophy are engaged in research on artificial intelligence that seeks to answer questions about how close robots can come to approximating the human mind.
THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
• In a 21st Century version of the Oxford College model, the College of Business opened its new facility in 2004, which blends the small college campus environment with a corporate presence and state-of-the-art technologies. • The new McLean County Small Business Development Center, located in the College of Business, provides assistance with business strategies, finances, marketing and training to Central Illinois businesses. • AACSB – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business has accredited both undergraduate and graduate programs in business and accounting at Illinois State.
THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
• More Illinois State graduates teach in our nation’s schools than graduates of any other institution. • With Metcalf Lab School and University High School, aspiring teachers get practical experience on campus prior to student teaching. • Illinois State is one of the nation’s most respected special education teaching programs.
THE COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
• Award-winning actors John Malkovich and Sean Hayes both attended Illinois State. • The $20 million Center for the Performing Arts includes an 830-seat concert hall and a 450-seat proscenium theater to showcase student and faculty talent.
4
• School of Art photography faculty member Jin Lee was awarded the first Guggenheim Fellowship in fine arts at Illinois State.
MENNONITE COLLEGE OF NURSING
• The college maintains a 100-percent placement rate for graduates within three months of graduation. • Graduates consistently pass the RN licensure exam at rates above both state and national averages. • Students in the Family Nurse Practitioner graduate sequence have a 99-percent pass rate on the American Nurses Credentialing Center national certification exam -- 19 percent higher than the national average.
THE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
• Students in the apparel merchandising and design, and interior design programs, went behind the scenes at some of the world’s leading design establishments during a 2004 trip to London and Paris. • Astronaut Sally Ride, former surgeon general Jocelyn Elders and Bill Nye, the science guy, have all appeared at the college’s annual Science and Technology Week activities. • Alumnus Jeff Friday is the head strength and conditioning coach for the Super Bowl XXXV Champion Baltimore Ravens.
BUILDING BETTER
Excuse our dust, but, these days, only Illinois State’s reputation for a quality education seems to be growing as fast as its campus. The new Performing Arts Center, the Kaufman Football Building, the Owen Strength and Conditioning Center, the College of Business Building and the remodeling of Schroeder Hall and Duffy Bass Field are modernizing the campus, while merging the rich tradition and architecture of older structures with today’s need for high-tech education. New projects that will begin, or continue, in 2009 include the remodeling of university residence halls and the construction of a new student recreation facility.
SAFE ON CAMPUS
The Student Guide to Personal Safety rated Bloomington-Normal one of the safest college towns in the Midwest. Students can get around conveniently and safely with “Nite Ride” on campus, plus the Bloomington-Normal transit system is available to reach any location in the Twin Cities.
GOING GREEN
Illinois State University has been awarded the Green Government Award for its achievements in energy efficiency.
5
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL
DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
• Bloomington-Normal is No. 42 out of 400 metro areas, according to Cities Ranked & Rated, citing the area’s small-town atmosphere, stable economy and educational attainment as pros of living in the Twin Cities. • Each year, Forbes compiles a list of the best places for business. In 2004, Bloomington-Normal ranked as the 15th-best small place for business in the country.
6
• An article on the CNNMoney Web site, in 2002, pointed out that Bloomington-Normal had the 13th-lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 2.7 percent (U.S. Average = 5.7 percent). • Expansion Management has rated BloomingtonNormal as one of 72 metro areas with a five-star quality of life, giving the community high rankings in areas such as standard of living, quality of schools, traffic and commute.
AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL
Bill Smith/Chicago Bears
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
• Located in the heart of Illinois, BloomingtonNormal lies approximately 130 miles from Chicago, 165 miles from St. Louis, 175 miles from Indianapolis and 210 miles from Milwaukee. • Interstates 39, 55, and 74 and Illinois Route 9 intersect in the Twin Cities, making it a transportation hub.
• An Amtrak passenger station sits two blocks off campus behind Watterson Towers, giving students an affordable travel option.
• With approximately 120,000 residents in the Twin Cities, visitors have big-city amenities available to them, but with a small-town atmosphere.
• The newly renovated Central Illinois Regional Airport offers four airlines of service for the community. The new terminal also offers five rental car services, retail shops and free parking for passengers.
7
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
KARIN BONE ATHLETICS STUDY CENTER
Associate Athletics Director Jane Fulton and her Redbird academic support services staff understand the daily challenges student-athletes have to balance because Fulton and her staff members are former college student-athletes and coaches themselves. With the unbridled support of Redbird coaches and athletics administrators, Fulton and her staff help student-athletes coordinate the demands they face athletically, academically, socially and personally. Beyond their own care, concern and constant availability to help, the academic support staff’s greatest asset is the comfortable, computerized Karin Bone Study Center. That’s where programs like targeting, career development, communityservice projects, counseling and assistance for Redbird student-athletes from all 19 sports take place daily. In addition to departmental and college on-campus academic recognition, the AFNI Athletics Honor
3.13 8
Roll and conference scholar-athlete teams, Redbird student-athletes have achieved: • 19 Bone Scholars (Illinois State’s top academic scholarship on campus). • 40 ESPN the Magazine Academic AllAmerica honors. • more than 2,000 hours of student-athlete community service annually. • a record 3.13 athletics department gradepoint average was set in spring 2009. People and programs not only contribute to an outstanding Redbird student-athlete graduation rate of more than 85 percent, but also prepare them to be leaders for a lifetime. Illinois State's Karin Bone Athletics Study Center has been the model other universities have tried to copy. Redbird student-athletes continually rank above the national average for graduation rates, and generally graduate at a higher level than non-athletes at Illinois State. With very specific programs aimed at the unique needs of the student-athlete and an extremely dedicated staff, Illinois State provides one of the most comprehensive programs in the country.
ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT
Three academic advisors from the university's Academic Advisement Center work specifically with student-athletes to ensure progress toward a degree. Those advisors understand the challenges confronting student-athletes, as several are past Illinois State student-athletes. Julie Paska, a former volleyball All-American for the Redbirds, works directly with the football team.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Working with other areas of the university, academic support personnel are developing career preparation and career-enhancement programs. Those programs include: career assessment assistance, resource materials, resumé writing, summer jobs in related fields, internships and externships.
COMPUTER-AIDED LEARNING
Study center computers contain software to help students complete assignments and access research materials. Also, self-help study techniques, like self-testing programs, assist students in preparing for specific exams.
The Illinois State Athletics Department’s record-setting grade-point average during the spring 2009 semester.
SCHOLAR-BALLER™
DATABASE
The athletics study center staff has developed its own database for every student-athlete at Illinois State. Coaches can monitor academic progress and keep up on a student’s awards and community service activities from their offices by computer.
PRIORITY REGISTRATION
Early registration allows student-athletes access to classes they need. This helps them match their academic and athletic time commitments.
TARGETING
Student-athletes who enter the university are provided one-on-one academic assistance at the start of their college careers. This provides the best chance for a good start, as well as the implementation of an academic plan that best suits each particular student-athlete.
TUTORING
The Karin Bone Athletics Study Center staff helps obtain qualified tutors to meet specific studentathlete needs.
schol-ar ball-er™ (skäl' er bôl' er) n. – An individual who possesses academic and athletic prowess. Salient qualities of the “scholar-baller™” include a willingness to accept the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, the tenacity never to give up when faced with social obstacles and a commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual development of the mind and body. Harrison, C.K., & Lampman, B. (2001). The Image of Paul Robeson: Role Model for the Student Athlete Rethinking History, 5(1), 117-130.
THE HISTORY BEHIND THE NAME
The Scholar-Baller™ movement began in 1995 after first being coined by Dr. C. Keith Harrison (Founder of Scholar-Baller Theory and Research) and later piloted in 2001 at Arizona State University under the direction of Jean Boyd (Co-Founder of Scholar-Baller™). The Scholar-Baller™ Program enters its fifth season in a partnership with the Scholar-Baller™ Foundation supported by the NCAA in collaboration with Ted Crane, coordinator of academic services at Illinois State. The program was introduced to the Redbird football team in 2004.
During the 2009 season, players who achieved ScholarBaller™ status will wear a patch (shown left) on their uniform.
9
HANCOCK STADIUM
HANCOCK STADIUM • • • • •
10
Capacity: 15,000 Opened: 1963 Officially Dedicated: Sept. 28, 1963 Surface: FieldTurf Recent Upgrades: Complete turf and apron replacement (2007), state-of-the-art LED video board (2007).
THE REDBIRD PRACTICE FIELD • Size: 11,310 square-yards • Surface Area: Natural Grass • Location: Directly north of Hancock Stadium and Horton Field House
11
REDBIRD RENAISSANCE
REDBIRD RENAISSANCE Unfamiliar with the renaissance? Visit GoRedbirds.com and learn more about Redbird Renaissance and its impact on Illinois State Athletics.
12
FEATURES OF THE REDESIGN: • New seating on the east and south sides of the stadium with first-class concession areas, restrooms and concourse area • Expanded and improved seating areas for students • A new state-of-the-art press box with elevators and restrooms • Indoor luxury donor suites • Phase 1 seating – 14,000 • Phase 2 seating – 24,000
13
KAUFMAN BUILDING
KAUFMAN BUILDING • • • •
Size: 16,000 square-feet Opened: August 2000 Dedicated: Nov. 11, 2000 First Floor: locker room, equipment room, training room, coaches’ locker room and one of two main entrances from the west side. • Second Floor: reception area, coaches offices, meeting rooms and walk-out balcony with a panoramic view of Hancock Stadium.
14
THE LOCKER ROOM Some 105 oak lockers adorn the spacious Kaufman Football Building locker room. The U-shaped nature of the room means there is plenty of floor space. ISU players move about comfortably, without losing the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team.
15
OWEN STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING CENTER The goal of Redbird strength and conditioning is easy to describe: getting student-athletes from all sports physically prepared for peak performance. The journey for each studentathlete is much more specialized, as head strength and conditioning coach Rohrk Cutchlow and his staff design specific programs to help address specific needs. With proven methods and exciting new resources available, Redbird strength and conditioning is committed to: • creating individualized programs to enhance physical preparation of student-athletes in all 19 sports with sport-specific, positionspecific plans focused on individual needs. • developing an energetic atmosphere in which all student-athletes can strive to meet goals to enhance individual performance and contribute to team championships. • utilizing the spacious, high-tech, 9,200-square-foot Richard and Fran Owen Strength and Conditioning Center. • maintaining high standards of accountability, responsibility and intensity during training so student-athletes and staff can realize their maximum potential.
16
17
ILLINOIS STATEMENTS
FAMILY
COMPETITION
LOCATION
SR • SAN ANTONIO
SR • SAN PABLO, CALIF.
SR • ELGIN, ILL.
“As soon as I got here, the upperclassmen started showing me the ropes. In my first year, everyone was helpful in explaining what to do and what not to do. Illinois State isn’t like other programs, where they want to make it hard on the freshmen. It is a total team and a family atmosphere, in-and-out of the locker room.”
“The competition is just as intense in the Missouri Valley Football Conference as it is in any other conference, on any other level. The athletes on the teams are just as good as any other team in the country. When the conference expanded they added a pair of the premier football teams in the country and really raised the bar even higher.”
“Bloomington-Normal is an excellent place to be. It’s in the heart of the Midwest, right next to Chicago, so a lot of guys are close to home or somewhat close - that’s what made my decision to come here easy. The location also helps with the program’s exposure. Attendance has been increasing in the past few years and the people here have been waiting to love the Redbirds, waiting to have a team to cheer for. The people support us and believe in us.”
BRANDON WILSON
18
DONI PHELPS
EYAD SALEM
CAMPUS
KELVYN HEMPHILL
CAMARADERIE EDUCATION TONY TRUJILLO
MARCUS KING
JR • SAN ANTONIO
JR • SALT LAKE CITY
SO • BLOOMINGTON, ILL.
“Campus life at Illinois State is great. Coming from a large city like San Antonio, I enjoy the closeness of ISU’s campus. There are fewer distractions, which allows more time to focus on school work and football - the reasons why we’re at Illinois State.”
“We are a tight-knit group, and there is a family atmosphere in the locker room. Everyone is really accepting, and there are no individuals. We truly are a team at Illinois State.”
“I know I made the right decision to come to Illinois State. I feel like I’m capable of doing anything in this school and it will prepare me to do anything I want in the future. There’s a great support system in place, from administrators to the dean’s office, to the advisors. As I get older and closer to leaving, I’ll be able to leave with skills that will help me with life, and will help me with any obstacles I may come across.”
19
ALL-AMERICANS BRENT HAWKINS
LAURÉNT ROBINSON
KYE STEWART STAFFORD DAVIS
LAURÉNT ROBINSON
BOOMER GRIGSBY
34
FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICAN HONORS IN THE LAST SIX YEARS
CAMERON SISKOWIC
52
FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICAN HONORS IN SCHOOL HISTORY
IN THE LAST SIX SEASONS, ILLINOIS STATE FOOTBALL PLAYERS HAVE EARNED 34 FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICA HONORS, OVER ONE THIRD OF THE LEAGUE TOTAL (86).
20
Duane Butler, DB – Minnesota Vikings, 1998; Cleveland Browns, 1999; Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), 2002; Montreal Alouettes (CFL), 2003-06 Aveion Cason, RB – St. Louis Rams, 2001; Detroit Lions, 200102; Dallas Cowboys, 2003; St. Louis Rams, 2004-05; Detroit Lions, 2006-present Clarence Collins, WR – New Jersey Generals (USFL), 1984-85 Bruce Cullen, RB – Detroit Wheels (WFL), 1974 Luke Drone, QB – Buffalo Bills, 2008; Peoria Pirates (AF2), 2009-present Sha-Ron Edwards, RB – Berlin Thunder (NFLE), 2007; Frankfurt Galaxy (NFLE), 2007 Creig Federico, WR – Detroit Lions, 1987; Pittsburgh Gladiators (Indoor) 1987-88 Bill Fenn, RB – Portland Breakers (USFL), 1984 Devon Finn, DT – Miami Dolphins, 2001; Denver Broncos, 2002; Frankfurt Galaxy, (NFLE), 2003; Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), 2004 Jim Fitzpatrick, WR – Tampa Bay Bandits (USFL), 1983-85 Larry Fitzpatrick, DL – Baltimore Ravens, 1998; Rhein Fire (NFLE), 2000; Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), 2002 Curtis Garrett, DE – New York Giants, 1987 Jeff George, DB – Tampa Bay Bandits (USFL), 1983-85; Orlando Renegades (USFL), 1985 Kevin Glenn, QB – Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL), 2001-03; Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL), 2004-2008; Hamilton Tiger Cats 2008-present
REDBIRDS IN THE PROS
BOOMER GRIGSBY
BRENT HAWKINS
Damian Gregory, DT – Miami Dolphins, 2000-01; Cleveland Browns, 2002; Oakland Raiders, 2003; Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2004-05; Detroit Lions, 2006 Boomer Grigsby, LB – Kansas City Chiefs, 2005-08; Miami Dolphins, 2008; Houston Texans, 2009-present Calvin Harper, OT – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1977 Brent Hawkins, DL – Jacksonville Jaguars, 2006-2008 Guy Homoly, DB – Cleveland Browns, 1971 Estus Hood, DB – Green Bay Packers, 1978-84 Walter James, RB – Berlin Thunder (NFLE), 2002; Indianapolis Colts, 2002 Eric Johnson, DT – Edmonton Eskimos (CFL), 1998-2000 Jason Johnson, WR – Denver Broncos, 1988; Pittsburgh Steelers, 1989; Cleveland Browns, 1990 Tony Jones, DE – Cleveland Thunderbolts (Indoor), 1992-93; Tampa Bay Storm (Indoor), 1995-98; Buffalo Destroyers (Indoor), 1999-2000 Brandon Joyce, OL – Minnesota Vikings, 2008; Toronto Argonauts (CFL) 2008; Las Vegas (UFL), 2009-present Bobby Kelsey, P – Philadelphia Eagles 2009 Andy King, OL – St. Louis Rams, 2002-04; Amsterdam Admirals (NFLE), 2005; Seattle Seahawks, 2005 John Kropke, DL – Ottawa Roughriders (CFL), 1989-92 Mike McCabe, P – Chicago Bears, 1989; Barcelona Dragons (NFLE), 1990 Walter Mendenhall, RB – Philadelphia Eagles, 2009
AVEION CASON
Jim Meyer, OT – Cleveland Browns, 1986; Green Bay Packers, 1987; Philadelphia Eagles, 1988 Bill Miller, WR – Detroit Lions, 1990; Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL), 1991 Barry Moton, DE – Ottawa Roughriders, 1989-90 Joe Niklasch, OL – Bloomington Extreme (Indoor), 2009-present Dennis Nelson, OT – Baltimore Colts, 1970-74; Philadelphia Eagles, 1976-77 Tom Nelson, S – Cincinnati Bengals, 2009-present Anthony Office, LB – Tampa Bay Bandits (USFL), 1985; Detroit Lions, 1987 Chad Pegues, DL – Cincinnati Bengals, 1999 Mike Prior, DB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1985-86; Indianapolis Colts, 1987-92; Green Bay Packers, 1993-98 Laurént Robinson, WR – Atlanta Falcons, 2007-08; St. Louis Rams 2009-present Mark Rodenhauser, C – Chicago Bears, 1987-88; Minnesota Vikings, 1989; San Diego Chargers, 1990-91; Chicago Bears, 1992; Detroit Lions, 1993-94; Carolina Panthers, 1995-99; Seattle Seahawks, 2000 Tom Ricks, DB – Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), 1983-84 Jonathan St-Pierre, OL - Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL), 2009-present Peter Shorts, DL – New England Patriots, 1990 Cameron Siskowic, LB – Cincinnati Bengals, 2007; Minnesota Vikings, 2007; Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), 2008-present
KEVIN GLENN
Mike Souza, QB – Calgary Stampeders (CFL), 2004 Kye Stewart, LB – Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL), 2009-present Ryan Szokola, DB – New York Jets, 2001 Joe Washington, RB – Atlanta Falcons, 1973 Franky West, DB – Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), 1997-2000 Isaiah Wiggins, OL – Baltimore Ravens, 2008-present Steve Wilburn, DT – Calgary Stampeders (CFL), 1983-85; BC Lions (CFL), 1989-90 Dave Wilson, WR – St. Louis Cardinals, 1986 Antoine Worthman, DB – Tampa Bay Storm (Indoor), 1996-98, 2000; Buffalo Destroyers (Indoor), 1999; Detroit Fury (Indoor), 2001 Edroy Yancey, DB – Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), 1984 Sam Young, CB – Chicago Bears, 2001; Denver Broncos, 2002; Calgary Stampeders (CFL), 2003; BC Lions (CFL), 2004-05; Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), 2006; Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL), 2007 Sam Zanders, RB – Ottawa Renegades (CFL), 2001-02
21
NATIONAL ATTENTION
A DEFENSIVE FIVE-PEAT
ISU is the only school to claim five-straight Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year Awards in the history of the league.
2006
Cameron Siskowic
2005
Brent Hawkins
BUCK BUCHANAN FINALISTS
Presented to the nation’s top FCS defensive player.
2007 – Kye Stewart (fourth place) 2006 – Cameron Siskowic (fifth place) 2005 – Brent Hawkins (runner-up) Cameron Siskowic (13th place) 2004 – Boomer Grigsby (third place) 2003 – Boomer Grigsby (runner-up) 2002 – Boomer Grigsby (third place)
HERE COMES THE BOOM
Boomer Grigsby (pictured above) is the only player in the history of the Buck Buchanan Award to finish among the top-three in three-consecutive seasons.
THE SISKO KID
2004
Boomer Grigsby
Cameron Siskowic (pictured right) was named the MVFC Defensvie Player of the Year in 2006 and later earned defensive MVP honors in the 2006 Texas vs. The Nation Game.
2003
REDBIRDS AT PAYTON’S PLACE
In 2005, Laurént Robinson became the first Redbird to ever be a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which is presented annually to the country’s top FCS offensive player. Pierre Rembert was also named a finalist in 2006.
Boomer Grigsby
2002
Boomer Grigsby
22
THE HAWKINS HULA
Brent Hawkins (pictured above) earned 2006 Hula Bowl Defensive MVP honors.
VALLEY’S FINEST
Laurent Robinson (pictured right) was named the 2005 Valley Football Offensive Player of the Year.
MEDIA EXPOSURE
REDBIRDS ARE DIALED IN
All of Illinois State’s games can be heard live on the Redbird Radio Network, flagshipped by WJBC-AM 1230, Bloomington, and on the internet at GoRedbirds.com. Illinois State’s play-by-play voice, Dick Luedke, joins analyst Ted Schmitz, a former ISU assistant coach.
HE’S OUR GUY
Not only was ISU’s Ryan Hoffman the only FCS punter on the 2005 Ray Guy Award Watch List, but he was only the second FCS punter in the history of the award to be considered. Hoffman was named the 2006 Hula Bowl Special Teams MVP.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
In the last eight seasons, Illinois State football has been seen on television 18 times, mostly on the Missouri Valley Football Conference TV package. MetroSports, of Kansas City, handles the production for the league broadcasts, which are broadcast into more than 10 million homes on FSN Midwest and Comcast Sports Chicago.
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
In addition to being covered by more than five newspapers, including extensive coverage by the Bloomington Pantagraph, Illinois State football has been reported by the following national news outlets: • • • • • •
Chicago Tribune Chicago Sun-Times St. Louis Post Dispatch USA Today ESPN The Magazine WGN-TV
GOING TO THE SHOW
WJBC’s Dick Luedke also serves as the host of The Brock Spack Show, which features player interviews and phone calls each Thursday, from 6:05 p.m. - 7 p.m. The show is broadcast live from Schooner’s Bar and Grill in Bloomington, and can be heard on most Redbird Radio Network affiliates.
23
REDBIRD TRAVEL
BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLY TOGETHER
Any team known as the Redbirds should be able to fly, and that is certainly the case at Illinois State. The football team has been airborne on spacious jets 21 times over the past 11 seasons and the 2009 season is no exception. The ‘Birds will fly to North Dakota State and Youngstown State this season. Nearly all of Illinois State’s flights depart from the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington-Normal.
ROLL ON 18-WHEELER, ROLL ON!
Even Illinois State’s equipment travels in style. Whether the team travels by air or ground, the Redbirds’ equipment arrives at the opposing stadium via a 48-foot semi-trailer. The truck and trailer, donated by Brandt Truck Line in Bloomington, Ill., transports the gear and equipment for players and coaches, as well as equipment for the athletic training staff.
24
COAST-TO-COAST
STAND UP AND BE COUNTED In addition to the states highlighted on the map, Illinois State has also had players hail from the following states during the past six seasons:
UNITED WE STAND The 2009 Illinois State football roster has hometowns ranging from California to Florida, and most states in between. Here is a map of the continental United States, and the gray indicates the home states of the current Redbird roster.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Alabama Georgia Iowa Kentucky Missouri New Jersey Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Nebraska New York Oklahoma Pennsylvania Tennessee
GENO BLOW | SEABROOK, TEXAS
CHRIS GARRETT | CONCORD, CALIF.
25
REDBIRD TRADITIONS
“Go you Redbirds onto battle! Fight for ISU. Raise the banner, Red and White; to this emblem we’ll be true. So let us cheer the Redbirds on to victory! Every voice proclaim: ‘We’ve got the fight! We’ve got the might! Let’s win this game.’”
26
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
DAVE BERGMAN, ‘78 MLB ALL-STAR, WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
CATHY BOSWELL, ‘83 U.S. OLYMPIAN
BUZZ CAPRA, ‘73 MLB ALL-STAR
J. Michael Adams, ’69 – President of Farleigh Dickinson University. Nicholas Africano, ’71 – An internationally acclaimed artist, his paintings have been the focus of solo exhibitions in Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. Randall Arney, M.F.A., ’80 – Artistic/Managing Director of the Geffen Theatre Company in Los Angeles. Carlos Bernard, ’91 – Was last seen on the Fox television show “24” and was a recurring character on “The Young and the Restless.” Suzy Boguss, ’79 – Popular country-western-folk musician and winner of the Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Female Vocalist in 1989. Gary Cole – A notable lead actor from various TV series. He has also starred in numerous films including: “Win A Date With Tad Hamilton!,” “The Brady Bunch Movie,” “Office Space,” and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.” Brian Conner, ’93 – Digital Compositor for Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). He has worked on such films as “Terminator 3,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Star Wars Episode II,” and “Pearl Harbor.” Moira Harris, ’76 – Actress from such films as “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,” “Chicago Cab” and “Tall Tale.” She is married to Steppenwolf Theatre co-founder and Academy Award nominee Gary Sinese. Sean Hayes – Emmy award-winning actor starred as “Jack McFarland” on the hit NBC series “Will & Grace”. Sean received critical acclaim for his role in the independent film “Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss” and for his portrayal of Jerry Lewis in CBS TV movie “Martin and Lewis.” He may also be seen in “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!” and heard in “ “The Cat in the Hat” and “Cats and Dogs.” Tom Irwin, ’79 – Actor who is a founding member of the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble and starred as “Graham Chase” on the acclaimed television series “My SoCalled Life.” He can be most recently seen on ABC’s “Lost.” Syleena Johnson – A protégé of R. Kelly, she is an R&B music chart-topper. Most recently, she released an album through Jive Records entitled, Chapter 3: The Flesh. She is also a model for Wilhelmina Modeling Agency.
DOUG COLLINS, ‘73
NBA ALL-STAR AND COACH, TV ANALYST, U.S. OLYMPIAN
NEAL COTTS
WORLD SERIES CHAMPION
Kerry Kalus, M.S., ’89 – Selected as the official Walt Disney World Ambassador in 1991. Jane Lynch, ’82 – Actress who may be seen in the films “Best of Show,” “A Mighty Wind,” and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.” She played “Mrs. Witter” (Pacey’s mom) on “Dawson’s Creek” and had recurring parts on “Judging Amy” and “The West Wing” and starred on the short-lived series “MD’s.” John Malkovich – Two-time Academy Award nominee for the films “Places in the Heart” and “In the Line of Fire,” John is an ensemble member at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre. Some of his other notable films include “Con Air,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Rounders,” as well as “Being John Malkovich.” Rex Martin, ’81 – Professor of Music at Northwestern University. He is one of the world’s foremost tuba players and has played a key role in the development of new tubas for manufacturers in Germany and Japan. David McFadzean, M.S., ’74 – Writer and Producer for Wind Dancer Productions. He created and produced the TV show “Home Improvement” and has served as executive producer for the films “Where the Heart Is” and “What Women Want.” Donald McHenry, ’57 – U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during the Carter Administration. He is presently a Distinguished Professor of Diplomacy at Georgetown University. William O’Leary, ’80 – Actor who appeared in a recurring role as “Marty,” Tim’s brother on the television series “Home Improvement.” He has also appeared in feature films “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,” “Bull Durham,” “Hot Shots” and “Miss Congeniality 2.” Lorenzo Pace, Ed. D., ’78 – Artist who designed the New York City memorial titled, “Triumph of the Human Spirit” at the site of an 18th century slave burial ground that is now a National Historic Landmark. Mike Richard, ’75 – Senior Vice President and Treasurer for McDonald’s Corporation.
CHARLOTTE LEWIS U.S. OLYMPIAN
D.A. WEIBRING
PGA TOUR MEMBER
Dan Roan, ’76 – Sports anchor for WGN Television, Chicago. Richard Roeper, ’82 – A columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and co-host of “Ebert & Roeper At the Movies.” He is the co-author of “He Rents, She Rents” and he authored Urban Legends. He was selected by People magazine in 2001 as one of the “50 most eligible bachelors.” Tim Russ – Actor who can be seen as “Frank” on ABC’s “Samantha Who?” and could be seen as the Vulcan “Lieutenant Tuvok” on the syndicated series “Star Trek: Voyager.” Kenneth “Buzz” Shaw, ’61– Chancellor of Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. James Spinner, M.S., ’84 – A special effects movie make-up artist with his own special effects company, Figurative Dimensions, Inc. His work has been featured in the films, “Men In Black II,” “The Grinch,” “Planet of the Apes,” “Thelma & Louise,” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.” Vince Trosino, M.S., ’73 – President of State Farm Insurance. Michelle (Tenitra) Williams – A Grammy-award winning member of the R&B/Pop music group Destiny’s Child. She also starred on Broadway in the Tim Rice and Elton John production of Aida. Most recently, she could be seen on stage as “Shug Avery” in the “The Color Purple.” Bruce A. Young, ’79 – Actor who may be seen in the films “Enough,” “Phenomenon,” “Risky Business,” and “Jurassic Park 3”. He has also been seen on the TV series: “Ghost Whisperer,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Prison Break.”
27
COMMUNITY SERVICE
2,519 28
Hours of community service were contributed by Redbird student-athletes during the 2008-09 academic year.
THE VALLEY
“One can justifiably argue the league is the strongest, deepest and most respected FCS conference in the nation. The decision to add North Dakota State and South Dakota State leaves no doubt.” - Patty Viverito, Missouri Valley Football Conference Commissioner
ILLINOIS STATE • INDIANA STATE • MISSOURI STATE • NORTH DAKOTA STATE • NORTHERN IOWA SOUTH DAKOTA STATE • SOUTHERN ILLINOIS • WESTERN ILLINOIS • YOUNGSTOWN STATE
29
ATHLETIC TRAINING QUALITY CARE Redbird athletes benefit from an experienced athletic training staff, top-notch doctors and Illinois State’s excellent undergraduate athletic training academic program, which has full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The quality of those athletic-training students is outstanding under the direction of Dr. Todd McLoda. The department has a wide range of local medical care providers at its disposal, including physicians at Illinois State’s Health Services, whose building is one block from Illinois State’s athletic venues. Highly-specialized physicians in Bloomington-Normal are readily accessible, as are a pair of Twin City hospitals.
DR. FINN AMBLE
DR. MARY BEACH
ENT
CHIROPRACTOR
DR. DENNIS CAPPITELLI DR. MICHAEL COCHRAN ISU STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
INTERNAL MEDICINE
BRAD COLE
DR. JOHN COUILLARD
NURSE PRACTIONER
OPTOMETRIST
DR. ROBERT KENNETT
DR. SVEN KLAUSS
DR. RICHARD LEESE
DR. WILLARD NOYES
DR. GERALD PAUL
DR. EDWARD PEGG
DR. WILLIAM RAY
OPTOMETRIST
INTERNAL MEDICINE
CHIROPRACTOR
ENT
PODIATRIST
NEUROLOGY
INTERNAL MEDICINE
30
DR. MONICA SCHNACK
DR. ROB SIEDL
DR. ANN STROINK
DR. JAMES SWANSON
DR. EMIL VERBAN
DR. GLENN WEISS
CHIROPRACTOR
ORTHOPEDICS
NEUROSURGEON
INTERNAL MEDICINE
DENTIST
ISU STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES