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Colonel Rock III made his Leatherneck debut on May 15, 2010, during Western Illinois baseball's doubleheader. His arrival provided an immediate impact with fans, and the Leatherneck baseball team recorded a 12-11 win in 10 innings in his first official appearance.
The newest member of the Leatherneck family ends a 37-year hiatus of a live bulldog mascot at Western Illinois. Colonel Rock can be found at home football and basketball games, in addition to other Leatherneck Athletic events throughout the year. He also will pop up at campus-events to help generate the powerful Leatherneck pride present in Macomb.
PERSONAL: Son of Adam's I'm the Dude and Siess' Blonde Bella... born March 3, 2010... oroginally from Seneca, Kan., now lives in Macomb, Ill., with his owner Joe Roselieb.
HISTORY: Western Illinois' first mascot made its debut on October 10, 1959 at the Homecoming football game. One day earlier, the English bulldog, which was purchased by the Student Government Association at the suggestion of Student Personnel Services Dean Dr. John Henderson, was officially named "Colonel Rock" at the Homecoming bonfire. The English bulldog, which is the traditional mascot of the U.S. Marine Corps, was cared for by the John Storey family in Macomb.
In the late 1960s, Captain Dale A. Luster (a recruiter from the Marine Corps League of Chicago) was instrumental in assisting the Corps' purchase of Colonel Rock II, a.k.a. "Rocky". Two years later, on September 26, Luster was killed in action over North Vietnam. Rocky retired in 1973 and he was replaced with a costumed version.
Today the tradition of Colonel Rock has been re-born with the third living bulldog mascot for the Leathernecks. The Siess Ranch out of Seneca, Kan., generously donated an English Bulldog puppy
OWNER ASSISTANCE: Joe Roselieb, Assistant Director of Facilities in the University Housing and Dining Services Division, volunteered to house and care for the newest Leatherneck.
Dr. Karen Blakeley of All Pets Veterinary Clinic will donate health care for Colonel Rock. Dr. Bill Bailey (Director) and the WIU School of Agriculture will donate Colonel Rock's food.
