Saluki Stadium

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SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

The first game at Saluki Stadium is Thursday against Quincy.

Cover photo courtesy of SIU Media Services

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SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON

More than just keeping score Video scoreboard will feature replays, highlight reels and much more BY TODD HEFFERMAN THE SOUTHERN

In a room inside SIU Arena not nearly as wide as the videoboard he will control, Chris Hagstrom will orchestrate Southern Illinois University’s football visuals this year. Hagstrom, SIU’s new director of video services, now calls an upstairs bunker in a live construction zone home. He spent the previous four years with the Southern Illinois Miners. And what a nice home it is. Next to the 42-inch Vizio high-definition television sits three edit stations, all outfitted with the latest software called Final Cut 7. The new computers came from the College of Business and University Communications. Hagstrom’s staff will include himself, a graduate and undergraduate student and a class of 15 people. “This is everything you could ask for, and more,” Hagstrom said. “At this level, this is the high end. For an FCS school, this is one of the top-ofthe-line systems we can get. We can do what’s similar at Texas, and some of the production that you see with the Big Ten, or some of the pro teams.” About 12 people will work on producing the video replays, promotions and in-game features fans will see at football games, Hagstrom said. They will man four cameras, produce highlight reels that will likely run around halftime, and run in-game production. The Kiss Cam? Probably coming to Saluki Stadium. Coaches’ Corner, where a staffer will interview a Saluki coach about the upcoming game? It’s in the works. Make a play? See it on the video replay, plus, chances are, your mug shot or likeness up on the board soon afterwards. SIU could spend a lot of time watching its own highlights this season. The Salukis will start the season No. 5 in the country in The Sports Network/Fathead.com poll. STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN todd.hefferman@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5087

There is a new 20-foot-by-40-foot scoreboard on the north end of the Saluki Stadium.

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SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Southern Illinois’ Steve Strother runs upfield last season.

GAME DAY TIMELINE Three hours before kickoff: z Parking lots open z Saluki Row opens z Tailgating begins One hour before kickoff z Saluki Walk from the new locker rooms in the Boydston Center to the south tunnel of Saluki Stadium 30 minutes before kickoff z Videoboard features and

in-stadium festivities begin 20 minutes before kickoff z Team returns to locker room 18 minutes before kickoff z Marching Salukis’ pregame show 5 minutes before kickoff z Introduction video 3 minutes, 30 seconds before kickoff z Salukis enter the field

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

SIU’s Tony Coletti (left) and Chris Arthurs lead their team onto the field against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 28, 2009.

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SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON

The Mac McAndrew Stadium was home to the Salukis for more than 70 years THE SOUTHERN

Before the construction of McAndrew Stadium, Southern Illinois University’s football team played at Bayliss Field. Bayliss Field was east of the the Illinois Central railroad tracks, just north and east of the current structure. Football had been approved as an activity at the school since 1898. Records indicate the playing field used by the school was named Bayliss Field on Feb. 3, 1903. A newspaper account from the 1909 football game played between Southern Illinois State Normal and Ewing found the playing field “as dusty as a country road.” By the mid-1930s, a drive had begun to replace that dusty field. Athletic director and football coach William McAndrew was named chairman of the fundraising effort. Original construction costs for the stadium were estimated at $40,000. However, McAndrew secured Works Progress Administration labor for the project. In addition, he obtained $62,000 in federal grants. The school was to raise an additional $20,000. By the time the stadium was completed in 1938, the total cost was $150,000. The original seating capacity was 5,000. Construction on the stadium began in spring 1937. Newspaper accounts indicate McAndrew inspected the final plans April 15, 1937. Construction was scheduled to begin a week later. In the meantime, McAndrew’s fundraising efforts secured donations from far and wide. Among items found in McAndrew’s scrapbooks was a $10 check written by Fred “Brick” Young, sports editor at The Bloomington Pantagraph and a close friend of McAndrew’s. The check was dated Jan.19, 1936, and is believed to be one of the first donations toward the new structure. During the next year, several organizations in Carbondale and in the Carbondale area became involved with fundraising. Another part of the effort was an appeal to about 9,000 former students. McAndrew also devised the “buy a bag of cement” campaign during 1937.

ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN

SIUC’s McAndrew Stadium is shown from the air.

Donors were urged to give $1, roughly the cost of a bag of cement. The stadium was used during the 1937 season but was far from complete. The Maroons, as Southern Illinois University teams were known until the Saluki mascot was adopted as the result of a student body vote in 1951, lost the first game played at the new stadium, 17-0, to Western Illinois. Donors participating in the “buy a bag of cement” campaign were given free tickets to the remaining games that season, which SIU finished 2-7. Newspaper accounts from 1938 indicate the university received donations from area theater groups and

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civic organizations such as the chamber of commerce, Elks Lodge and Rotary Club. The stadium was completed after the season and formally dedicated at the Oct. 29, 1938, Homecoming game, a 6-0 loss to Illinois State. The original structure was known as Southern Illinois Teachers College Stadium. McAndrew resigned as football coach after the season. He coached two years in the stadium that bears his name. The stadium was formally dedicated in McAndrew’s honor Oct. 22, 1949. One of the featured speakers was Harry Ledbetter, captain of McAndrew’s first football team.

The stadium remained much the same until a lighting system was installed during the 1950 season. The first game under the lights at McAndrew Stadium was a 44-13 SIU victory over Eastern Michigan on Nov. 10. A new lighting system was installed in the 1960s. During the late 1960s, a movement to build a new stadium began. The university had just completed construction on SIU Arena. “For them to become a major power, they needed a new stadium,” said former coach Dick Towers. “It was not to be on campus. As we went out recruiting, we had a picture of it, and we used that in our recruiting.


SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON “We carried that picture of the new stadium around for seven years,” Towers said. “I don’t think it was high on the list of the administration.” Instead, the administration opted to renovate and expand the current structure. Plans were drawn up for the modern version of McAndrew Stadium in the early 1970s. The aesthetics of the rustedsteel structure came under fire before construction began. “The stadium has never been considered a contribution to the appearance of the campus, and is not visualized to increase its value in this line after it has been expanded,” read a memo from the Office of Campus Planning in 1971. The SIU Board of Trustees estimated the total cost of the renovation to be $1.8 million,

including $225,000 for artificial turf. Construction on the new McAndrew Stadium began shortly after the 1973 season ended. The east bleachers were razed, and the west bleachers were expanded to the current configuration. The new seating capacity was 17,000. Night games returned to McAndrew Stadium in 2002. The Salukis played their last game at McAndrew Stadium, a 24-3 loss to William and Mary in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinals Dec. 5. Plans are for the track to remain until the end of the 2011 outdoor season in May. A new track facility to be constructed beyond left field of Abe Martin Field is being discussed.

MCANDREW STADIUM HISTORY Mid-1930s — SIU athletic director and football coach William McAndrew begins drive to replace Bayliss Field. He secures Works Progress Administration labor for the project. Spring 1937 — Construction begins on McAndrew Stadium Oct. 23, 1937 — The SIU Maroons, as they were called then, lose the first game at the new stadium 17-0 to Western Illinois. The stadium was not complete, but THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO was used that season. A Saluki player watches during the waning moments of a win in 2009. Oct. 29, 1938 — Stadium officially dedicated, known as Southern Illinois Teachers College Stadium. By the time it was completed, it cost $150,000 to build. Oct. 22, 1949 — Stadium formally named McAndrew Stadium Nov. 10, 1950 — SIU wins first game under the lights at The Mac 44-13 over Eastern Michigan 1973 — Renovations, including a new artificial turf and the west bleachers getting expanded, pushes the capacity to 17,000 Dec. 5, 2009 — Salukis play what many believe will be their last game at the stadium and lose 24-3 to William & Mary in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, August 29, 2010 Page 7


SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON SALUKI WAY TIMELINE Sept. 8, 2005 — Southern Illinois University unveiled an ambitious plan to re-center the campus around new academic buildings, a new football stadium and a retrofitted SIU Arena. The Saluki Way project will create a new “core” of student services, academic and athletics facilities. Dec. 12, 2006 — 360 Architecture named lead architect Aug. 21, 2007 — City of Carbondale approves $20M for project Nov. 7, 2007 — Board of Trustees approves $83M project budget Jan. 24, 2008 — Greg and Nancy Cook announce $1M gift Feb. 28, 2008 — JE Dunn/Holland Construction named construction managers Sept. 11, 2008 — Board of Trustees approves $70M of construction work to begin March 3, 2009 — Groundbreaking ceremony March 4, 2009 — Construction of football stadium begins April 13, 2009 — Construction of athletics support facility begins. It will include new locker rooms for the football and men’s and women’s basketball teams, new offices for those three sports and a new ticket office and team store April 13, 2009 — Retrofitting of SIU Arena begins August 2010 — Expected completion date of football stadium Sept. 2, 2010 — First football game in Saluki Stadium Oct. 2010 — Completion of athletics support facility Oct. 2010 — Expected completion date of renovated SIU Arena Nov. 1, 2010 — First basketball game in renovated SIU Arena

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Workers with International Sports Surfaces began laying down the new FieldTurf on June 23.

www.pepsimidamerica.com 1.800.827.7020 Page 8 Sunday, August 29, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan


SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Construction progress is shown Feb. 7 at the site of SIU’s new football stadium.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Construction workers attach poles at the top of the bleachers at Saluki Stadium.

Congradulations Salukis! we’re Proud to have been a part of Saluki Way

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SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON

The ‘wow’ factor Saluki Stadium brings even more excitement to SIU football BY TODD HEFFERMAN THE SOUTHERN

S

outhern Illinois University’s football team won three of the last five Missouri Valley Football Conference titles with one of the oldest stadiums in all of Division I, so you can imagine the program’s enthusiasm for the new 15,000-seat facility opening this week. Without the “wow” factor of some of the other stadiums in the league, like the Fargodome in North Dakota State and the Ice Castle in Youngstown, Ohio, SIU built the longest conference-game winning streak in history (14). Surrounded by three high-definition television screens in a new locker room fit for the Kansas City Chiefs, the history that built the stadium wasn’t lost on Saluki junior center Bryan Boemer. “It’s the guys that came before us that really earned a lot of this stuff, and, thanks to them,” Boemer said. “They’re not here any more, and I appreciate them getting Saluki Way rolling. You just come in here, and you look around, and it makes you want to play better. It makes you feel like you have to earn it more, after not being there those last few years. Now, starting to play, you got a nice locker room, so, you gotta be a great team. Nice field. We gotta back it up.” SIU will enter the 2010 season with even higher aspirations than last season, when the Salukis finished 11-2 and reached the quarterfinals of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. The Salukis return 10 starters, six on an offense that led the MVFC in scoring last year at 32.8 points per game. Two returning starters on defense, cornerback Korey Lindsey and safety Mike McElroy, are candidates for the Buck Buchanan Award, which goes to the top defensive player in the FCS. Kicker Kyle Dougherty, a four-year starter, will enter the season 76 points from tying Craig Coffin’s school record of 379 set between 2002-06. SIU will host at least six games at the $25.3 million stadium a parking lot away from SIU Arena. Saluki fans bought a school-record 2,560 season tickets before the first week of June.

ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN

Southern Illinois’ Jeff Evans runs downfield after a catch during a team practice Aug. 16.

Fans will be about 40 feet closer to the action. Saluki Stadium will feature a 20-foot-by-40-foot videoboard with replay capabilities, new restrooms and concession areas, a club room, and a two-story press box with 12 airconditioned suites. A second scoreboard sits in the southeast corner of the facility. SIU athletic director Mario Moccia

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expects a big response from the Saluki community. “We have been in the playoffs seven straight years, won five of the last seven titles. I think, when people see those stats, they might envision these great facilities, and they didn’t exist before, so, our facilities now match up with the success we’ve had on the field,” Moccia

said. “I think it also gives us the opportunity, from the playoff standpoints, is you still have to bid on the rounds, but one of the criteria for hosting a playoff game is the facility. “They’ll be taking into the account the bid, the geography, but that was a negative in the past. Now, obviously, it will be a huge positive.”


SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON Saluki coaches moved to the top of the facilities list with the only new stadium in the FCS (Richmond is opening a new stadium, but it is part of a multi-million dollar renovation of an existing facility). SIU coach Dale Lennon hopes it has a similar effect that the Alerus Center had in Grand Forks, N.D. The city of Grand Forks opened the 12,283-seat, $80 million domed stadium in 2001, the same year Lennon led the Fighting Sioux to the Division II national championship. UND led the nation in attendance in 2004 and 2005. “What I’m hoping is there’s a domino effect with the fans, where we get the fans excited about things, and they start showing up in huge numbers, and, all of a sudden, they’re a part of the game that maybe didn’t exist before,” Lennon said. “That’s when you can really have a steam-rolling effect and have something really special, and that’s what happened when we moved into the Alerus at the University of North Dakota. Our attendance just shot through the roof. Noise was a factor at every game. It became a contagious atmosphere.” ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN todd.hefferman@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5087

Southern Illinois quarterback Chris Dieker looks for an open reciever during a team practice Aug. 16.

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SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON

No comparison Saluki Stadium outdoes The Mac in every way SALUKI STADIUM FACTS Opened: 2010 Capacity: 15,000 Chairback seats: 1,090 Suites: 12 Estimated construction cost: $25.3 million Surface: Duraspine PRO artificial turf by FieldTurf, the same surface used by the New England Patriots Labor: Architect is 360 Architecture, construction by JE Dunn Construction/Holland Construction Scoreboard: 20-foot-by-40-foot, 21-foot-by-38-foot video board with replay capabilities Restrooms: 100 water closets for women, 59 urinals and 20 water closets for men Other amenities: Air-conditioning in the suites and press box, Saluki club room, restrooms in the press box, Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, Saluki Team Store, new lights, new state-of-the-art sound system

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Workers with International Sports Surfaces began laying down the new FieldTurf on June 23.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Defensive linemen run to their next drill station during football practice at McAndrew Stadium.

MCANDREW STADIUM FACTS Opened: 1937, completed in 1938 Capacity: 17,324 Chairback seats: 0 Suites: 0 Estimated construction costs: $150,000 Surface: AstroPlay artificial turf Labor: Works Progress Administration Scoreboard: Basic, current/final score, timeouts, down and distance, no video replay Concession stands: Four Other amenities: Eight-lane outdoor track, locker rooms, lights that were installed in 2002

THE SOUTHERN

The Marching Salukis get in formation before a 1980s contest.

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SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON

PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN

The new SIU athletic ticket office is just outside of the new lobby of SIU Arena.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Saluki fans watch from the stands at McAndrew Stadium during the 2009 homecoming game.

SIU FOOTBALL TICKETS Season Tickets Chairback seats, mid-field, Section 6 — $150 (if available) Chairback seats, sideline Sections 5 and 7 — $125 (if available) Family Pack (2 adults, 3 youth) — $250 Bleacher seats — $95 Bleacher seats (faculty/staff) — $90 Bleacher seats (high school and under) — $50 Groups (Section 12 only) — $60 Students — Free with valid ID Individual Tickets Chairbacks — $25 Bleacher seats (sideline) — $20 adults, $12 youth Bleacher seats (end zone) — $17 adults, $10 youth Students — Free with valid ID Group Sales (25 or more)

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Touchdown package — Dependent on size of group and seat location (Discounted sideline or end zone seats, Saluki football T-shirt, food coupon good for free hot dog or popcorn and soft drink and group recognition via PA) Extra Point package — Dependent on size of group and seat location (Discounted sideline or end zone seats, group recognition via PA, minimum ticket order is 15, starts at $10 for adults and $6 for high school-and-under) Saluki Birthday Bash package — $25 per person, minimum 10 tickets (Discounted reserve seats, Saluki football T-shirt, food coupon for a free hot dog or popcorn and soft drink, birthday cupcakes and birthday greeting via PA. Saluki mascots will also drop by to say hello and take pictures) Walker’s Bluff Saluki Row tailgating package — Call group sales at 618-453-5153 for information New Location: The ticket office at the stadium will be open on game days. The new ticket office is now in the Boydston Center, just inside the new entrance to the SIU Arena. — SIU Ticket Office


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The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, August 29, 2010 Page 15


SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON

Remember the time ... Saluki football is full of great memories, moments Oct. 4, 1913 — The Salukis under coach William McAndrew defeat Anna High School, 13-0, for a win in the program’s inaugural game. Oct. 5, 1916 — SIU dedicates its new football facility, Bayliss Field, and defeats Cape Normal (Southeast Missouri State), 34-0. Nov. 22, 1930 — Southern defeats McKendree, 44-12, to secure the program’s only undefeated season (9-0) and its first conference championship season (Little 19 Conference). SIU had a record six shutouts in that season. Oct. 24, 1931 — SIU’s 7-0 win over McKendree was its 15th consecutive victory; a program record that still stands to this day. Spring 1937 — Construction work begins on McAndrew Stadium. Oct. 23, 1937 — SIU loses to Western Illinois, 6-0, in the first ever game played in the facility. Oct. 29, 1938 — SIU loses, 6-0, to Illinois State in the official stadium dedication game. Nov. 4, 1938 — SIU shuts out Southeast Missouri State on the road 6-0 in William McAndrew’s final victory as head coach. McAndrew, SIU’s all-time winningest coach, finished with an 83-79-20 record in 22 seasons. Feb. 11, 1943 — William McAndrew dies at age 56 and the stadium would later be named in his honor. Nov. 26, 1949 — Jim Lovin completes his SIU career in the school’s 41-14 win over Indiana State. Lovin started every game of his four-year Saluki career on both offense and defense and was allconference all four seasons. His jersey number (78) would later be the program’s first retired jersey number. Oct. 4, 1958 — SIU defeats Western Illinois, 32-31, on Lane “Night Train” Jenkins’ two-point conversion with time expired. In 2009, Saluki fans would vote this game as the top moment in McAndrew Stadium’s 73-year history. Oct. 28, 1967 — Before a record homecoming crowd of 15,500, SIU rallies from a 13-0 deficit and upsets eighthSaluki coach Rey Dempsey is carried off the field after another championship season victory in 1983. ranked Tulsa, 16-13.

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THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO


SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON Nov. 22, 1969 — RB Bob Hasberry becomes first Saluki to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season during the Salukis’ 41-7 win at Southwest Missouri State. Oct. 31, 1970 — SIU scores a thenschool record 69 points in a 69-3 home rout of Bradley. Oct. 19, 1974 — SIU loses to Northern Illinois, 17-7, in the first game played in renovated McAndrew Stadium. Dec. 30, 1975 — SIU athletic director Doug Weaver hires Rey Dempsey as head football coach. Oct. 23, 1976 — Playing in a driving rainstorm, Andre Herrera rushes for a school record 319 yards and a school record six touchdowns in the Salukis’ 54-0 home win over Northern Illinois. Sept. 13, 1980 — SIU defeats Eastern Illinois, 37-35, before a McAndrew Stadium-record crowd of 17,150, on Mark Hemphill Day. Nov. 7, 1981 — Despite a school record 87-yard TD pass from Rick Johnson to Cecil Ratliff, the Salukis miss a chance to tie for their first ever Missouri Valley Conference title when they lose to Drake,

22-17, before a McAndrew Stadium crowd of 17,000. Sept. 10, 1983 — Saluki Hall of Fame DB Terry Taylor blocks Eastern Illinois’ 20-yard field goal attempt with 19 seconds remaining in the game giving the Salukis a, 17-14, home win over the Panthers. Oct. 29, 1983 — Southern Illinois defeats New Mexico State at home, 41-3. It was SIU’s first game against a Division I school since becoming a I-AA school in 1982. The Aggies are the only I-A team to play in Carbondale since SIU became a I-AA member. Dec. 17, 1983 — SIU defeats Western Carolina, 43-7, in Charleston, S.C., to claim the Division I-AA national championship. The win gave SIU its one and only national championship, capped off a 13-1 record and was Dempsey’s final game as head coach. Oct. 7, 1989 — Saluki Hall of Fame QB Scott Gabbert passes for a then-school record 399 yards in SIU’’s 27-24 loss at Northern Illinois.

PROVIDED BY FRED HUFF

SEE HISTORY / PAGE 19

Terry Taylor, a future National Football League star, blocks a field goal attempt to help preserve a 17-14 win over Eastern Illinois in 1983.

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, August 29, 2010 Page 17


SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON 2010 SIU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Thursday, Sept. 2 — QUINCY, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 — At Illinois, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 — SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE, 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 — At Youngstown State, 3 p.m.* Saturday, Oct. 2 — At Illinois State, 1 p.m.* Saturday, Oct. 9 — NORTHERN IOWA (Homecoming), 2 p.m.* Saturday, Oct. 16 — SOUTH DAKOTA STATE (Parents Weekend), 2 p.m.* Saturday, Oct. 30 — At Missouri State, 2 p.m.* Saturday, Nov. 6 — At North Dakota State, 3 p.m.* Saturday, Nov. 13 — WESTERN ILLINOIS, 1 p.m.* Saturday, Nov. 20 — INDIANA STATE, 1 p.m.* *conference game Home games in all caps

2010 PROMOTIONS AND THEME DAYS Thursday vs. Quincy, 7 p.m. z Inaugural Game in Saluki Stadium festivities z Annual Hawgs and Dawgs (Pre-game bike show on practice fields, Lot 56 in case of rain) Sept. 18 vs. Southeast Missouri State, 6 p.m. z Scout Day z SIU Faculty and Staff Day z FCA Day Oct. 9 vs. Northern Iowa, 2 p.m. z Homecoming Oct. 16 vs. South Dakota State, 2 p.m. z Family Weekend Nov. 13 vs. Western Illinois, 1 p.m. z Military Appreciation Day z Faith Day Nov. 20 vs. Indiana State, 1 p.m. z Senior Day

ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN

Southern Illinois quarterback Paul McIntosh scrambles during practice Aug. 16.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Southern Illinois coach Dale Lennon laughs during a practice in 2009.

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THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

SIU running back Anton Wilkins tries to evade linebacker Houston Walker on April 17.


SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON since 1961 and its first I-AA playoff berth since 1983. Oct. 27, 2005 — No. 9 SIU 31, No. 1 Western Kentucky 20. The game when he rushes for six in SIU’s 72-21 home win over West Salukis defeat a No. 1-ranked team for the first time in school Virginia Tech. Oct. 5, 2002 — In a game most history, doing so on the road. Nov. 26, 2005 — Three rushing observers feel launches Coach touchdowns from Arkee Jerry Kill’s Saluki program, SIU Whitlock and 15-of-21 passing ends an 18-game losing streak from Joel Sambursky led to a versus eighth-ranked Western 21-6 win over Eastern Illinois, Illinois when it beats the giving SIU its first playoff Leathernecks, 54-52, at victory in 22 years. McAndrew Stadium. A 6-yard Sept. 16, 2006 — The Salukis touchdown pass from Joel Sambursky to Brandon Robinson win at Indiana, 35-28, becoming the first MVFC team to topple a as time expires wins the game. Big 10 opponent. Oct. 11, 2003 — Saluki Hall of Sept. 8, 2007 — Southern Fame RB Tom Koutsos becomes Illinois wins 34-31 at Northern the Gateway Conference’s allIllinois – SIU’s second-straight time leading rusher when he season beating a FBS (Division rushes for 153 yards in the Salukis’ 45-17 Homecoming win I-A) team. Oct. 13, 2007 — Nick Hill over Illinois State. passes for a SIU-record 436 Nov. 8, 2003 — SIU defeats yards in a loss at Northern Iowa. Youngstown State, 24-17, at Dec. 27, 2007 — Saluki athletic home to clinch a tie for the director Mario Moccia Salukis’ first conference title

HISTORY: SIU football has great past FROM PAGE 17 Oct. 14, 1995 — SIU defeats Southwest Missouri State, 33-30, in the Salukis’ first-ever overtime game. Sept. 11, 1999 — SIU and Murray State combine for SIU records of 109 points, 1,218 yards and 952 passing yards in the Salukis’ 58-51 win. Nov. 6, 1999 — SIU passes for a school-record 444 yards in a 66-45 loss at Indiana St. Dec. 6, 2000 — Jerry Kill is hired as the 19th coach in Saluki football history. Nov. 3, 2001 — Tom Koutsos becomes SIU’s all-time leading rusher when he rushes for 124 yards in the Salukis’ 31-7 home loss to Youngstown State. Sept. 21, 2002 — Muhammad Abdulqaadir ties the school record for touchdowns in one

announces Dale Lennon as SIU’s 20th coach. Sept. 27, 2008 — SIU defeats No. 5 Northern Iowa, 27-24, on Kyle Dougherty’s 40-yard game winning field goal as time expires. The win proves to be the tie-breaker in the Missouri Valley Football Conference race, providing first-year coach Dale Lennon and the Salukis with the league’s automatic spot in the playoffs. Oct. 17, 2009 — No. 5 Southern Illinois defeats No. 2 Northern Iowa, 27-20, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The win was SIU’s first at UNI since 1983. Nov. 14, 2009 — Southern Illinois defeats Missouri State, 44-24, in the final regular season game ever at McAndrew Stadium. The win for SIU was its 14th-straight MVFC victory, setting a new league record as the Salukis captured the conference championship for the fifth time in seven seasons.

PROVIDED BY FRED HUFF

The Salukis won the 1983 NCAA Division I-AA national championship.

Dec. 5, 2009 — William & Mary beats SIU, 24-3, in the FCS quarterfinals in the last game played at McAndrew Stadium.

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, August 29, 2010 Page 19


SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON PARKING AREAS

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Offensive and defensive linemen come face to face during the SIU football team’s first spring practice March 21 at McAndrew Stadium.

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SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

A construction worker makes progress on the east bleachers at Saluki Stadium.

Good Luck Salukis! All aluminum curtain walls, doors and glass in the new stadium were installed by Universal Glass & Carpet, a local glass company.

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Artist and sculptor Robin Murez applies some final touches to one of the concrete Salukis she created and sit at the entrance way to SIU Arena.

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SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON

Getting amped up Fans ready for the change stadium could provide BY TODD HEFFERMAN THE SOUTHERN

Carbondale native Everett Boykin couldn’t keep his eyes off the field at Thursday’s Southern Illinois University scrimmage. After years of watching the Salukis take a top 25 national ranking into 73-year-old McAndrew Stadium, the team’s facility had finally matched its reputation. “Eventually, you got to keep up,” said Boykin, who now lives in Decatur.

“McAndrew served its purpose, but it was time.” Before this season, SIU owned the oldest facility in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. By a long shot. The Mac, which opened in 1937 but was not completed until 1938, hosted its 73rd and final season last year. It was 24 years older than the nextoldest stadium in the nine-team league, South Dakota State’s CoughlinAlumni Stadium, which was built in 1962. Beginning this week,

SIU will own the newest stadium in the Football Championship Subdivision. Saluki Stadium will be the first new facility to open in the FCS since Campbell (N.C.) unveiled 3,500-seat Barker-Lane Stadium in 2008. Richmond put $25 million into the new E. Claiborne Robins Stadium, but, technically, it is an expansion of the old First Market Stadium, which houses the Spiders’ lacrosse, soccer and track teams.

Saluki Stadium (15,000) will be the first new facility in the MVFC since Youngstown State opened 20,630-seat Stambaugh Stadium in 1997. Fans will be about 40 feet closer to the action, as the new stadium doesn’t have a track like The Mac. David Clark, SIU linebacker Houston

Walker’s grandfather, said that could breed a more intimidating atmosphere for opponents. “It’s a little hard to say,” Clark said as he watched Thursday’s scrimmage. “They should. If they had a little bit better following, they may have a better home-field advantage.”

SIU drew an average of 9,297 fans in its six home games last year. The Salukis sold a record-2,560 season tickets back in June, breaking the previous record of 2,442 in 2008. todd.hefferman@thesouthern.com 618-351-5087

Proud to be a Part of Our Saluki’s Future!

Proven Track Record For being “ON SCHEDULE” and “WITHIN BUDGET” Established 1986

www.fager-mcgee.com

618-687-3900 Page 22 Sunday, August 29, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Saluki fans cheer after a Southern Illinois touchdown in the first quarter of the homecoming game with Illinois State on Oct. 10.


SALUKI STADIUM: THE INAUGURAL SEASON

Sing it with pride! School’s fight song, ‘Go Southern Go!’, fires up team, fans alike Go! Southern Go! Fight on to victory! Go! Southern Go! March on triumphantly! Come on and show, Southern, Show, For all the world to know Nothing’s gonna stop you now Hit that line and show them how to go! Southern Go! Go!

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

The Southern Illinois football team gathers to sing the school fight song to the crowd after their 44-24 win over Missouri State on Nov. 14 at McAndrew Stadium.

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, August 29, 2010 Page 23


Page 24 Sunday, August 29, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan


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