Get to Know… Sean McGuire

Junior quarterback voted Team Captain in 2017

Not very often does a redshirt-freshman get named to a team's Leadership Council, let alone one that was a backup quarterback and holder on all kicks. But for junior Sean McGuire that is how the 2015 season started for him. Then he got called in to talk with the head coach.

It was the Friday before leaving for Indiana State, and McGuire found out he would be making his first collegiate start after hearing the news that the starting quarterback was going to be out with an injury.

"I was ecstatic when I heard I was getting the start," admitted McGuire. "I couldn't wait to take the field and prove myself."

Two of the three largest deficits to rally and win a game in Western Illinois Football's modern history were by 17 points. McGuire found his team down by that many in the third quarter at the Sycamores before settling in. McGuire erupted for 332 passing yards and two touchdowns leading Western to a 37-30 overtime win.

The following week, Western knocked off No. 5 South Dakota State at home, 30-24 in double-overtime. McGuire's touchdown run gave Western a 6-5 record and less than 24 hours the team found out they'd be making a return trip to the FCS playoffs.

Western went on the road and defeated Dayton before falling in the second round. The impact he made in his four starts? McGuire was voted to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer Team.

McGuire won the starting job the next off-season and led the Leathernecks to a 6-2 record and at one point a 'Top 10' national ranking. The other 17-point comeback led by McGuire came that year at South Dakota, winning 35-34 when the quarterback led a game-winning touchdown drive – again. In just 15 career starts, the All-MVFC quarterback has directed five comeback wins when facing a deficit.

His 264.9 passing yards per game in 11 starts last year set a program season record. In fact, McGuire has averaged 270 yards per game through the air, and already has accounted for the ninth-most passing yards in Leatherneck history.

As he enters his junior year – and again voted team captain – McGuire is quick to recognize those who have helped him along the way.

"I feel that I've grown the most as a student and as a person at Western Illinois from great examples around me. I've just learned so much from so many great people here."

This summer also provided McGuire a chance to unwind and to have fun with teammates.

"I was able to spend some time at Devils Lake in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and also at Mike Bishoff's lake house," said the junior quarterback. "In my spare time, myself, Torgy (James Torgerson) and Cal (Breedlove) conspired to prank Mike (Bishoff)!"

Helping him get to this point in his playing career have been his parents Terrence and Deborah. "They've been my biggest influence and supported me in everything growing up, and they continue to do so."

A lot of athletes have a pre-game ritual. McGuire is no different.

"I text my brother before every game. He normally gets me pretty jacked up," said McGuire. "I also go up to a select number of teammates and head-butt them with their helmets on."

When asked what would fans be surprised to find out about the Franklin, Wisconsin, native, his response?

"I used to take Irish Dance classes when I was little. The girls loved me."

McGuire, who is majoring in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration with a minor in Homeland Security, has interest in pursing a career in counterterrorism and counterintelligence. Before he takes the oath to keep the United States safe, McGuire has another promise he continues to fulfill with the Purple & Gold.

"I've prided myself on fulfilling a promise that myself, along with many other teammates in my class and other classes, have made to help rebuild this program and create a winning culture. It motivates me every day," said McGuire. "My goals for the 2017 team are to win a conference championship, make the playoffs and win it all. My ultimate goal is to make this season last as long as possible, to play with these teammates as long as we can."

McGuire and the Leathernecks open the 2017 playoff and championship hunt on Thursday, August 31, at Tennessee Tech.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#18 Sean McGuire: QB; 6' 3"; Junior; Franklin

#77 James Torgerson: OL; 6' 5"; Senior; Springfield

Players Mentioned

#18 Sean McGuire
: 6' 3"; Junior; Franklin
: QB

#77 James Torgerson
: 6' 5"; Senior; Springfield
: OL

Upcoming Events and Recent Results

Players Mentioned

#18 Sean McGuire

#77 James Torgerson

Players Mentioned

#18 Sean McGuire

#77 James Torgerson