MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University Athletics announced plans to recognize members of the Leatherneck’s 2002 Gateway Conference Football Championship Team during the home game against Southern Utah University game on September 17th.

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

The 2002 Leatherneck squad started the season with a #4 Gateway preseason poll rank and a #40 national ranking, but would manage to exceed all expectations except their own, ending the season at #2 in the nation with a 10-1 record including a win over Northern Illinois. They entered the postseason as the #2 seed in the I-AA playoffs, and posted an easy win over Eastern Illinois. Their postseason run would come to an end, however, following an upset in the quarterfinals against eventual champion Western Kentucky.

For more information about the 2002 Championship Reunion, contact WIU Athletic Director Paul Bubb by email at [email protected].