Hall of Fame
Craig Phalen, 2012 - Craig Phalen began his collegiate career at Wisconsin before transferring to Joliet CC. He transferred and played his final two years in the Leatherneck uniform along the defensive line, and capped his career by earning First Team All-America honors in 1977 from the Associated Press, Kodak, and American Football Coaches Association.
He was voted team captain his senior year, a year in which he set a then-program record with seven tackles for a loss (currently second-most all-time) and six sacks against Nebraska Omaha, a record that he still owns. During the Illinois State game his senior year Phalen set a then-record for most tackles by a defensive lineman with 12.
His other season records set included: tackles for a loss (18), and big plays (22), in addition to career tackles for a defensive lineman (229).
After his Leatherneck playing days, then head coach Bill Shanahan said, "Craig will go down as one of the greatest competitors and players in our program history." Phalen spent part of the 1978 season with the St. Louis (football) Cardinals.
For the past 24 years, he has taught Physical Education and Health Education for seventh and eighth grades at Ottawa Elementary School District 141. He has coached seventh and eighth grade basketball and soccer for 23 years. Following the 2005-06 season he received the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) District 4 'Coach of the Year' award.
He is actively involved as a member of the Mendota BPOE Elks Lodge 212, Mendota Optimist Club and St. John's Lutheran Church.
Craig and his wife Luci have two children: Benjamin and Laura.
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