Western Illinois University Athletics has announced plans to recognize members of the Leatherneck's 2002 Gateway Conference Football Championship Team at the September 17, 2022 home game against Southern Utah University. Coach Don Patterson and members of the team will return to Hanson Field on the 20th Anniversary of that championship season.

After being picked fourth in the Gateway preseason polls and 40th in the national rankings, the 2002 Leathernecks surprised everyone but themselves, climbing to No. 2 in the national polls. The Leathernecks finished the regular season with a 10-1 record, including a win over I-A Northern Illinois. As the No. 2 seed in the I-AA playoffs, they rolled past Eastern Illinois in round one. Eventual champion Western Kentucky, which the Leathernecks had shut out earlier in the season, kicked a field goal with 40 seconds remaining to upset the Leathernecks by three points in the quarterfinals.

Members of the team are being invited back for a special pregame tailgate, recognition during the game and a post-game championship celebration.

This year's opponent, Southern Utah, was also on the 2002 schedule as the Leathernecks traveled to Cedar City, Utah and defeated the Thunderbirds 38-28 to cap their 10-1 regular season record.

For more information about the 2002 Championship Reunion, contact Paul Bubb, Director of Athletics (pa-bubb@wiu.edu).