Western Illinois University Athletics

Western Illinois football has 13 championship teams in its 116-year history, and Bob Nardelli suited up for one of them as a member of the 1969 team that won the final IIAC championship. The '69 group recorded an overall record of 8-2 and also received a bid to the Mineral Water Bowl. 

The starting left guard assisted the 1969 Leathernecks to the ninth-best ranking in the nation with 425.1 yards of total offense and was named All-State Second Team (Peoria Journal Star) as well as an Interstate Conference Football Team honorable mention.