MACOMB, Ill. - Head coach Mark Hendrickson and the Western Illinois Football team received a celebratory welcome home last Saturday (Dec. 4) by the City of Macomb following the Second Round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs.

During the final part of the trip home Western's travel party received a police escort into Macomb, and was greeted by state and local agencies. Mayor Mick Wisslead, city officials and business leaders from around town gave the Leathernecks an autographed banner, showing their support for the program's success in 2010.

Western registered the biggest win-turnaround in program history under Coach Hendrickson, an 8-5 record (plus-7 wins) and the first NCAA postseason berth in seven years.

"On behalf of Western Illinois Football, I'd like to thank Mayor Mick Wisslead and the city of Macomb for their support not only last Saturday but all season long. The 2010 season marked the return of Leatherneck Football to the NCAA playoffs. Our postseason appearance was just a small part of an all-around memorable, record-setting year for our student-athletes and coaches," said Hendrickson. "We take great pride playing in front of the Macomb community, and it was a great accomplishment to finish 6-0 at Hanson Field this year."