Leatherneck Club Feature - Jessica Butcher

Bryce Weiler interviews Jessica Butcher on being a member of the Leatherneck Club

-- In part two of an on-going interview series, Bryce Weiler interviews members of the Leatherneck Club. In the latest edition, he interviews Jessica Butcher.

Welcome, this is Bryce Weiler. I have the pleasure to interview Jessica Butcher, a member of the Leatherneck Club.

BW: What made you want to be part of the Leatherneck Club? As you told me you have been there for about six years now.
JB: Yes. Well I like to think that I am a mover and a shaker on campus. I kind of know what is going on and I have a good connection with the students. So I thought I could bring that aspect the student-athlete connection to the Leatherneck Club.
BW: You were a part of athletics during your time in Monmouth College, participating in cheerleading. It has to be helpful for you to get to give back to the student-athletes. Now you help them through supporting the Leatherneck Club.
JB: Correct. When I was in college it was the thing to do. You go to the sporting events. You know the schedules and you know what is going on. So I'd like to encourage that aspect of the student side of things.

BW: One other important part of being a part of the Leatherneck Club is raising money to help support student-athletes. The Purple and Gold Auction occurs in August. Talk about the Auction and any intriguing some items you have purchased?
JB: I have been fortunate to be able to serve on the Purple and Gold Committee for a number of years. Again, it is important and it's just fun to make those connections with the community and encourage support for WIU athletics within the community. I have been able to do that. The community sort of divvies up who they know and who they can ask… Any interesting items? We have purchased a number of interesting items throughout the years. One of the best items for us has been an American Girl doll that we got a couple of years ago that we got for our oldest daughter. That was really a hit in our house.
BW: What are some of your favorite interactions with the student-athletes and coaches over your time at Western Illinois?
JB: Well I like to get to know the student-athletes. Whether it is just by name or face. Personally, getting to talk to them walking around campus or when I see them out in the community. I want them to have a good experience on campus and in the community. When I first started at Western, I was the complex director at Thompson Hall, which was where many of the student-athletes lived. While I did that for four years, I knew a good number of student-athletes from the different sports.

BW: It has to be fun for you to get a chance to observe student-athletes growing - through playing their sport, but more importantly growing outside their sport.
JB: Absolutely, and to encourage what they are doing in the classroom because they are a student first. I realize that athletics is a good part of that, of their experience, but they are also here to get their education ultimately. Also, see what we can do to compliment their academics, social, and their sport is one of the things we need to do.

BW: Being a member of the Leatherneck Club, what are some of your favorite parts of being a member.
JB: Well I think just being involved and helping work with the committee to promote Western Illinois athletics and to get the word out their about the different events. It is cool to be a member of the Leatherneck Club.

BW: It is a full time job spreading the word about Leatherneck Athletics because there are athletic events going on from August to May. How do you keep that up and especially when seasons overlap such as the ending of football and the beginning of basketball?
BW: I think word of mouth, email, and definitely social media.

BW: What are some of the benefits that individuals can gain from being a part of the Leatherneck Club?
JB: Well I think one of the biggest things is being involved and knowing what's going on with Western Illinois athletics. Getting to know some of the players, getting to know the coaches whether that be at halftime of basketball games or at tailgating or going to some of the pregame events. I think that's one of the greatest benefits of being in the club.

BW: The best part of being at a school like Western Illinois, is that the members of the Leatherneck Club, coaches, and student-athletes really can mold together into a family.
JB: That's exactly right and that is evident in the different events. Just going to some of the different sporting events and watching the student-athletes support one another. The volleyball team supports the basketball teams for example. They all go to different events and I think that's one of the greatest things about being at Western as well.

BW: Well Jessica, it has been a pleasure chatting here with you today. Thank you for answering my questions, and thank you for supporting Western Illinois athletics.
JB: Thank you Bryce.
This has been Bryce Weiler along with Jessica Butcher, a member of the Western Illinois Leatherneck Club.

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