MACOMB, IL. – Western Illinois Athletics welcomed three new members into the Leatherneck family Saturday as Lee Russell, Kristin Rueter, and Dr. Tom Cody were honored as the 2026 Western Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame class.
The Hall of Fame weekend brought former teammates, coaches, colleagues, friends, family members, and members of the Leatherneck community together in Macomb to celebrate the accomplishments and lasting impact of three individuals who helped shape Western Illinois Athletics.
The weekend's festivities began Friday evening with the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where Russell, Rueter, and Cody were officially welcomed into the Hall. The evening provided an opportunity for each honoree to reflect on their time at Western Illinois and the people who played a role in their journey.
The celebration continued Saturday as the new Hall of Famers were recognized during the Leathernecks' football game against Tennessee State at Hanson Field.
For Russell, the weekend offered a chance to return to the place where he established himself as one of the top defensive players in program history. His former teammates and supporters gathered to celebrate a career that helped define an era of Leatherneck football.
Rueter's induction brought recognition to a standout career on the track and field program, where her competitive success and leadership left a lasting impression on those around her. Her return to campus provided an opportunity to reconnect with members of the Leatherneck community and celebrate accomplishments that remain part of the program's history.
For Cody, the weekend represented a celebration of more than two decades of service to Western Illinois Athletics. Former colleagues, student-athletes, coaches, and administrators gathered to recognize his dedication to the University and the countless Leathernecks he supported throughout his career.
While each honoree followed a different path at Western Illinois, the weekend highlighted a common thread: the relationships and experiences created through Leatherneck Athletics continue long after the final competition.
The 2026 Hall of Fame weekend also served as a reminder of the broad impact of Leatherneck Athletics, bringing together generations of former student-athletes, coaches, administrators, supporters, and fans to celebrate the people who have helped build the program's tradition.
As the newest members of the WIU Athletics Hall of Fame, Russell, Rueter, and Cody now join a distinguished group of Leathernecks whose accomplishments and contributions will remain part of Western Illinois history.
Click Here to Watch the Full Ceremony
Click Here for Photos from the Hall Of Fame Ceremony
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