Leathernecks look to Paint it Purple at Hanson Field Saturday

MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois announces the first ever “Paint it Purple” campaign for this Saturday's game against No. 8 Southern Illinois at Hanson Field, in the Missouri Valley Football Conference's Television Game of the Week.

Similar to a “white out,” fans are asked to wear purple to the game in order to paint the stands in a sea of purple to support the Fighting Leathernecks in their Missouri Valley Football Conference opener for the 2009 season. Western Illinois football wants to see the stands “Painted Purple” on this televised game that will be seen throughout the Midwest.

“We want to see the stands covered in purple,” said senior captain Trokon Tompo. “Having our fans behind us and supporting us in purple will help create a home field advantage for us in this big conference game.”

The last three meetings between Western and Southern have been decided by 10, one and seven points, respectively. The Leathernecks set a conference record with 18-straight victories over the Salukis, before SIU rattled off the last seven wins in the series.

This Saturday's game is Family Weekend, and tickets are still available through the Western Illinois ticket office, located in 103 Western Hall. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling 309-298-1190.

Fans can pick up their official Western Illinois purple gear at the University Union Bookstore; open the day of the game from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Kickoff is slated for 6:07 p.m. at Hanson Field.

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Players Mentioned

#38 Trokon Tompo: DB; 6' 2"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#38 Trokon Tompo
: 6' 2"; Senior
: DB

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Players Mentioned

#38 Trokon Tompo

Players Mentioned

#38 Trokon Tompo