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Western Illinois University Athletics

90S REUNION

Leatherneck Athletics to Welcome Back Coach Randy Ball and 90s Era Football Teams

| By: WIU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Football, Fireworks and Food on Saturday

MACOMB - Western Illinois University Athletics will host a reunion for Leatherneck alumni who played football between 1990 – 1998 for Head Coach Randy Ball. The Leathernecks play future Ohio Valley Conference opponent Lindenwood University in a non-conference matchup with kickoff at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 16.
 
"This is a great opportunity for us to honor not just a team, but a group of teams that enjoyed tremendous success for the Leathernecks under Head Football Coach Randy Ball," WIU Athletic Director Paul A. Bubb said.
 
At the helm of the Fighting Leatherneck football program from 1990-98, Randy Ball led Western Illinois to its first I-AA postseason victory (1997), its first 11-win season (1997) and its first semifinals appearance. Part of three Gateway Conference (now Missouri Valley Football Conference) Championships, his first as an assistant coach under Bruce Craddock in 1988, and final two as head coach in 1997 and 1998, Ball still sits among the top of record books at WIU and the MVFC.
 
The Leathernecks also welcome back former Defensive Coordinator Bill Wilt, who, along with Ball, arrived at WIU with the late Bruce Craddock. Notably, under Wilt's leadership, the 1998 team led the nation in holding opponents to 9.4 points per game. Under the guidance of Ball and Wilt, an instrumental part of the defense in both the 1997 and 1998 seasons was Western's first-ever player to win the Buck Buchanan Award (nation's top linebacker) in James Milton.
 
This group of Leatherneck alumni will meet on Friday night for a Welcome Back reception before touring facilities and enjoying a reunion luncheon on Saturday, which also marks the 6th Annual Family Day BBQ tailgate at WIU. Over fifty alumni have registered and will be introduced at halftime of Saturday's game against Lindenwood.
 
Gates to Hanson Field open to the general public 90 minutes prior to game time, and a special fireworks display is scheduled for immediately following the football game.
 
Tickets for Saturday's football game are available online at Football Tickets - Western Illinois University Athletics (goleathernecks.com) , by visiting the ticket office at Western Hall, Room 103, or by calling (309) 298-1190. Please be advised there is a clear bag policy at Hanson Field.
 
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