MACOMB, Ill. – Fifty years later, the 1976 Western Illinois football team is still a team that stands out when looking back at the history of Leatherneck football.

"When we talk about the history and tradition of Leatherneck Athletics, teams like the 1976 football team are an important part of that story," said Jeremy Robinett, Acting Administrator in Charge of Athletics. "What those student-athletes accomplished strengthened the foundation of success for generations of Leathernecks. They are an important part of the Leatherneck Football family, and we're honored to welcome them back to Western and recognize their contributions as part of our Family Weekend celebrations at Saturday's game."

Western Illinois finished the season 7-3 and reached as high as the No. 3 team in the country. The Leathernecks played South Dakota State, Weber State, Central State, Youngstown State, Northern Michigan, Eastern Illinois, Nebraska-Omaha, Illinois State, Akron and South Dakota during a season that put the program in the national conversation.

One of those three losses came against Akron in Week 8. The Zips finished the season 10-3 and went on to make a run to the Division II national championship game, defeating UNLV and Northern Michigan in the playoffs before falling to Montana State in the title game. The result gave even more context to a season in which Western Illinois was competing with some of the best teams in the country.

The 1976 Leathernecks had plenty of individual talent to go along with their success as a team. Four players earned Associated Press All-America recognition. Greg Lee and Scott Levenhagen were named AP First Team All-Americans, while Paul Bowens and Jim Scruggs received AP Honorable Mention honors.

The talent on that team also translated to the next level. Lee and Levenhagen were both selected in the NFL Draft, joining Jerry Holloway as NFL Draft selections from the 1976 Leatherneck roster.

But when looking back at the 1976 team, the numbers only tell part of the story. A 7-3 record, a No. 3 national ranking, four AP All-Americans and three NFL Draft picks are a reflection of what that group accomplished. More than anything, the 1976 Leathernecks helped put Western Illinois football on the national stage and created a season that has remained a memorable part of the program's history.

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