5 Things to Know...

5 Things to Know for Football's Bruce Craddock Memorial spring game on Friday night

Western Illinois Football will hold the annual Bruce Craddock Memorial spring game on Friday night (April 21). The finale caps off 15 spring practices.

Here are 5 Things You Need to Know for the spring game.

1. Game Information
Kickoff is Friday night, April 21, at 7 p.m. at Hanson Field. Admission is free. There will be a running clock except for the final two minutes of the second and fourth quarter. The offense takes on the defense with a point system for both teams to determine the winner. The Honorary Coaches are Brian Spotts (defense) and Matt Barr (offense).

2. Who is Bruce Craddock and what is the Bruce Craddock Memorial Scholarship?
The annual spring football game is named in honor of Bruce Craddock, who served as WIU's 15th head football coach from 1983 until his death in 1990. He was a Marine captain for three-and-a-half years and served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1970. Bruce was twice selected as the Gateway Conference 'Coach of the Year'. His 1988 WIU team finished with 10 victories and a 6-0 league record.

In April 1989, Bruce Craddock was diagnosed with liver cancer. His doctors told him exposure to defoliant Agent Orange in Vietnam caused his illness. His battle with cancer was an inspirational testimony to his never-give-up philosophy which made his teams successful, and made him one of the most respected coaches in his field.

Craddock was posthumously inducted into the WIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991. The Missouri Valley Football Conference's "Coach of the Year" award is named in his honor, as is the annual WIU spring football game.

In addition, friends and family established the Bruce Craddock Memorial Scholarship in 1990 to honor his outstanding contributions. The scholarship is awarded each year to a graduate assistant or student manager for the Football team who represents all the outstanding characteristics possessed by Coach Craddock.

For more information on how to donate to the scholarship fund, call Michael Jones at (309) 298-1190.

3. What is the Leatherneck Handshake?
Last year head coach Charlie Fisher initiated the 'Leatherneck Handshake'. It's an opportunity for the current players to shake hands with all the past Leatherneck football players who are in attendance for the spring game. The Leatherneck Handshake will take place 10 minutes prior to the start of the game at midfield.

4. Is there pregame tailgating?
Yes, the Q-Lot will be open for fans to tailgate prior to the spring game. For more information on rules and regulations, including the No Pets Rule, click on the Tailgate Policy section.

5. How can I support Leatherneck Football?
Fans can join the Leatherneck Club and designate their gift directly to the Leatherneck Football program. For more information on the Leatherneck Club call (309) 298-1190 or online at GoLeathernecks.com.

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