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| name = Western Illinois Leathernecks
| name = Western Illinois Leathernecks
| logo = Western Illinois Leathernecks logo.svg
| logo = Western Illinois Leathernecks logo.svg
| logo_width = 175
| logo_width = 200
| university = [[Western Illinois University]]
| university = [[Western Illinois University]]
| association = NCAA
| association = NCAA
| conference = [[Ohio Valley Conference]] (primary)<br/>[[Missouri Valley Football Conference]] leaving in 2024<br/>[[Summit League]] (men's soccer) leaving in 2024
| conference = [[Ohio Valley Conference]] (primary)<br/>[[Big South–OVC Football Association]]
| division = [[NCAA Division I|Division I]] ([[NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision|FCS]])
| division = [[NCAA Division I|Division I]] ([[NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision|FCS]])
| director = Paul Bubb
| director = Paul Bubb
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| softballstadium = [[Mary Ellen McKee Softball Stadium]]
| softballstadium = [[Mary Ellen McKee Softball Stadium]]
| soccerstadium = [[MacKenzie Alumni Field]]
| soccerstadium = [[MacKenzie Alumni Field]]
| arena2 = [[Harry Mussatto Golf Course]]<br />[[Spring Lake Course (Illinois)|Spring Lake Course]]<br />[[WIU Tennis Facility|Brophy Courts]]
| arena2 = [[Harry Mussatto Golf Course]]<br />[[Spring Lake Course (Illinois)|Spring Lake Course]]<br />[[Brophy Courts]]
| mascot = [[Colonel Rock]] (Live Bulldog), [[Rocky (mascot)|Rocky the Bulldog]] (Costumed Bulldog)
| mascot = [[Colonel Rock]] (Live Bulldog), [[Rocky (mascot)|Rocky the Bulldog]] (Costumed Bulldog)
| nickname = [[Leatherneck]]s
| nickname = [[Leatherneck]]s
| fightsong = [[We're Marching On]]
| fightsong = [[Western Illinois Leathernecks#We're Marching On|We're Marching On]]
| pageurl = http://www.goleathernecks.com/
| pageurl = https://goleathernecks.com/
| altlogo = [[File:Western Illinois Leathernecks new wordmark.png|Western_Illinois_Leathernecks_new_wordmark|200px]]
| altlogo = [[File:Western Illinois Leathernecks new wordmark.png|Western Illinois Leathernecks new wordmark|200px]]

}}
}}

The '''Western Illinois Leathernecks''' are the teams and athletes that represent [[Western Illinois University]], located in [[Macomb, Illinois]], in [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]] sports. The school's primary conference affiliation is with the [[Ohio Valley Conference]]; its [[American football|football]] team is a member of the [[Division I (NCAA)#Football Championship Subdivision|Division I FCS]] (formerly Division I-AA) [[Missouri Valley Football Conference]] (MVFC). Western Illinois announced on May 12, 2023 its departure from the Summit League to become a full member of the [[Ohio Valley Conference]] (OVC) in all sports beginning seven weeks subsequent on July 1. Its football program will remain in the MVFC through the fall of 2023 before joining the OVC in 2024.<ref>[https://goleathernecks.com/news/2023/5/12/athletics-department-leatherneck-athletics-moving-to-ohio-valley-conference-for-all-sports.aspx "Leatherneck Athletics Moving to Ohio Valley Conference for All Sports," Western Illinois University Athletics, Friday, May 12, 2023.] Retrieved May 12, 2023.</ref>
The '''Western Illinois Leathernecks''' are the teams and athletes that represent [[Western Illinois University]], located in [[Macomb, Illinois]], in [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]] sports. The school's primary conference affiliation is with the [[Ohio Valley Conference]]; its [[American football|football]] team is a member of the [[NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision|Division I FCS]] (formerly Division I-AA) [[Missouri Valley Football Conference]] (MVFC) and its men's [[Association football|soccer]] team plays in the [[Summit League]], in which the school had been a member since that conference's formation in 1982. Western Illinois announced on May 12, 2023 its departure from the Summit League to become a full member of the [[Ohio Valley Conference]] (OVC) in most sports beginning seven weeks subsequent on July 1. Two Leathernecks teams will play outside the OVC in the fall 2023 season before joining the rest of the school's teams in the OVC in 2024—the football team in the MVFC,<ref>[https://goleathernecks.com/news/2023/5/12/athletics-department-leatherneck-athletics-moving-to-ohio-valley-conference-for-all-sports.aspx "Leatherneck Athletics Moving to Ohio Valley Conference for All Sports," Western Illinois University Athletics, Friday, May 12, 2023.] Retrieved May 12, 2023.</ref> and the men's soccer team in the Summit League.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://goleathernecks.com/news/2023/7/1/athletics-department-western-illinois-university-begins-new-era-in-ohio-valley-conference.aspx |title=Western Illinois University Begins New Era in Ohio Valley Conference |publisher=Western Illinois Leathernecks |date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}</ref>


==History and nickname==
==History and nickname==
WIU's nickname, the [[Leatherneck]]s, and its mascot, the [[English bulldog]], are taken from the traditions of the [[United States Marine Corps]]. The university has had permission to use the official nickname and mascot of the Corps since 1927, when [[Ray Hanson]], then-athletic director and coach of the baseball, basketball and football teams, gained permission to use the symbols as an homage to his service in that military branch during [[World War I]].<ref name="nickname">{{cite web |url=http://goleathernecks.com/sports/2014/6/3/athletics_0603144136.aspx?id=11 |title= The Leatherneck Nickname |publisher = Western Illinois Athletics |access-date = March 6, 2012}}</ref> The university holds the distinction of being the only non-military institution to officially have its nickname derived from a branch of the military service.<ref name="nickname"/> Since the fall semester of 2009, the men's and women's teams have been unified under the Leathernecks name;<ref>{{cite news|title=University comes to decision on nickname unification |author=University Relations|publisher=Western Illinois University|date=2009-06-05|access-date=2009-06-08 |url=http://www.wiuathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=12000&ATCLID=3746930}}</ref> previously, the women's teams and athletes at the school had been known as the Westerwinds. On December 18, 2020 Western Illinois officially discontinued their men’s and women’s swimming programs citing budgetary and COVID-19 concerns.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://swimswam.com/coach-less-western-illinois-drops-swimming-diving-program-citing-budget/|title=COACH-LESS WESTERN ILLINOIS DROPS SWIMMING & DIVING PROGRAM, CITING BUDGET|publisher=Swim Swam|date=December 18, 2020|access-date=June 13, 2023}}</ref>
WIU's nickname, the [[Leatherneck]]s, and its mascot, the [[English bulldog]], are taken from the traditions of the [[United States Marine Corps]]. The university has had permission to use the official nickname and mascot of the Corps since 1927, when [[Ray Hanson]], then-athletic director and coach of the baseball, basketball and football teams, gained permission to use the symbols as an homage to his service in that military branch during [[World War I]].<ref name="nickname">{{cite web |url=http://goleathernecks.com/sports/2014/6/3/athletics_0603144136.aspx?id=11 |title= The Leatherneck Nickname |publisher = Western Illinois Athletics |access-date = March 6, 2012}}</ref> The university holds the distinction of being the only non-military institution to officially have its nickname derived from a branch of the military service.<ref name="nickname"/> Since the fall semester of 2009, the men's and women's teams have been unified under the Leathernecks name;<ref>{{cite news|title=University comes to decision on nickname unification |author=University Relations|publisher=Western Illinois University|date=2009-06-05|access-date=2009-06-08 |url=http://www.wiuathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=12000&ATCLID=3746930}}</ref> previously, the women's teams and athletes at the school had been known as the Westerwinds.
On December 18, 2020 Western Illinois officially discontinued their men’s and women’s swimming programs citing budgetary and COVID-19 concerns.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://swimswam.com/coach-less-western-illinois-drops-swimming-diving-program-citing-budget/|title=COACH-LESS WESTERN ILLINOIS DROPS SWIMMING & DIVING PROGRAM, CITING BUDGET|publisher=Swim Swam|date=December 18, 2020|access-date=June 13, 2023}}</ref>
On May 12, 2023 Western Illinois accepted an invitation to join the [[Ohio Valley Conference]] starting the 2023-24 season. Western Illinois will leave the [[Summit League]] after being the last charter member of the conference since it was founded in 1982.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://ovcsports.com/news/2023/5/12/general-western-illinois-university-to-join-the-ovc-in-2023-24.aspx|title=Western Illinois University to Join the OVC in 2023-24 As New Full Members|publisher=Ohio Valley Conference |date=May 12, 2023|access-date=June 13, 2023}}</ref> A week later on May 18, 2023 Western Illinois announced the addition of three more sports for women, this includes beach volleyball, bowling, and STUNT.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://goleathernecks.com/news/2023/5/18/athletics-department-wiu-moving-to-the-ohio-valley-conference-adding-three-sports-for-women.aspx|title=WIU Moving to the Ohio Valley Conference; Adding Three Sports for Women|publisher=Western Illinois Athletics|date=May 12, 2023|access-date=June 13, 2023}}</ref>
On May 12, 2023 Western Illinois accepted an invitation to join the [[Ohio Valley Conference]] starting the 2023-24 season. Prior to Western Illinois joining the Ohio Valley Conference, they were members of the [[Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] from 1914–1970 and the [[Summit League]] from 1982–2023. Western leaves the [[Summit League]] after being the last charter member of the conference since it was founded in 1982.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://ovcsports.com/news/2023/5/12/general-western-illinois-university-to-join-the-ovc-in-2023-24.aspx|title=Western Illinois University to Join the OVC in 2023-24 As New Full Members|publisher=Ohio Valley Conference |date=May 12, 2023|access-date=June 13, 2023}}</ref> A week later on May 18, 2023 Western Illinois announced the addition of three more sports for women, this includes beach volleyball, bowling, and STUNT.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://goleathernecks.com/news/2023/5/18/athletics-department-wiu-moving-to-the-ohio-valley-conference-adding-three-sports-for-women.aspx|title=WIU Moving to the Ohio Valley Conference; Adding Three Sports for Women|publisher=Western Illinois Athletics|date=May 12, 2023|access-date=June 13, 2023}}</ref>


==Sports sponsored==
==Sports sponsored==
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{{main|Western Illinois Leathernecks men's basketball}}
{{main|Western Illinois Leathernecks men's basketball}}


The '''Western Illinois Leathernecks men's basketball''' team competes in [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]] men's [[college basketball|college]] [[basketball]] competition. The school's team is a member of the [[Ohio Valley Conference]]. The team plays it home games at 5,139-seat [[Western Hall]] and are coached by [[Rob Jeter]].
The '''Western Illinois Leathernecks men's basketball''' team competes in [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]] men's [[college basketball|college]] [[basketball]] competition. The school's team is a member of the [[Ohio Valley Conference]]. The team plays it home games at 5,139-seat [[Western Hall]] and are coached by [[Chad Boudreau]].


===Women's basketball===
===Women's basketball===
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===Men's soccer===
===Men's soccer===
As of the upcoming 2023 season, the '''Western Illinois Leathernecks men's soccer''' team is a member of the [[Ohio Valley Conference]], which is part of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'s [[NCAA Division I|Division I]]. The team plays its home games at 500-seat [[MacKenzie Alumni Field]] and are coached by Dr. Eric Johnson. at [[Harry Mussatto Golf Course]]. The team has won nine [[Summit League]] championships in 1995, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2014. The team has also made six [[NCAA Division I men's soccer tournament]] appearances in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2012.
The '''Western Illinois Leathernecks men's soccer''' team will play one final Summit League season in 2023 before joining the rest of the university's sports in the [[Ohio Valley Conference]] in 2024. Both conferences are part of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'s [[NCAA Division I|Division I]]. The team plays its home games at 500-seat [[MacKenzie Alumni Field]] and are coached by Dr. Eric Johnson. at [[Harry Mussatto Golf Course]]. The team has won nine [[Summit League]] championships in 1995, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2014. The team has also made six [[NCAA Division I men's soccer tournament]] appearances in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2012.


===Women's soccer===
===Women's soccer===
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===Softball===
===Softball===
The '''Western Illinois Leathernecks softball''' team is a member of the [[Ohio Valley Conference]], which is part of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'s [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]]. The team plays its home games at 500-seat [[Mary Ellen McKee Softball Stadium]] and are coached by Alisa Goler. The team has won ten [[Summit League]] championships in 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, and 2009. The team has appeared in eight [[Women's College World Series]], in 1970, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1980 and [[1982 AIAW Women's College World Series|1982]].<ref name="Plummer">{{cite book|title=A Series Of Their Own: History Of The Women's College World Series|first1=William|last1=Plummer|first2=Larry C.|last2=Floyd|year=2013|publisher= Turnkey Communications Inc.|location= Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States|isbn=978-0-9893007-0-4}}</ref> The team has also made four [[NCAA Division I softball tournament]] appearances in [[1992 NCAA Division I softball tournament|1992]], [[2000 NCAA Division I softball tournament|2000]], [[2001 NCAA Division I softball tournament|2001]], and [[2008 NCAA Division I softball tournament|2008]].
The '''Western Illinois Leathernecks softball''' team is a member of the [[Ohio Valley Conference]], which is part of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'s [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]]. The team plays its home games at 500-seat [[Mary Ellen McKee Softball Stadium]] and are coached by Alisa Goler. The team has won ten [[Summit League]] championships in 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, and 2009. The team has appeared in eight [[Women's College World Series]], in 1970, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1980 and [[1982 AIAW Women's College World Series|1982]].<ref name="Plummer">{{cite book|title=A Series Of Their Own: History Of The Women's College World Series|first1=William|last1=Plummer|first2=Larry C.|last2=Floyd|year=2013|publisher= Turnkey Communications Inc.|location= Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States|isbn=978-0-9893007-0-4}}</ref> The team has also made four [[NCAA Division I softball tournament]] appearances in [[1992 NCAA Division I softball tournament|1992]], [[2000 NCAA Division I softball tournament|2000]], [[2001 NCAA Division I softball tournament|2001]], and [[2008 NCAA Division I softball tournament|2008]].

===Men’s track and field===
===Men’s track and field===
The '''Western Illinois Leathernecks men’s track and field''' team is a member of the [[Ohio Valley Conference]], which is part of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'s [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]]. The team competes its home meets at [[Hanson Field]]. The team has won two Indoor Track and Field [[Summit League]] championships in 2001 and 2002. The team has also won two Outdoor Track and Field [[Summit League]] championships in 2001 and 2002.
The '''Western Illinois Leathernecks men’s track and field''' team is a member of the [[Ohio Valley Conference]], which is part of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'s [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]]. The team competes its home meets at [[Hanson Field]]. The team has won two Indoor Track and Field [[Summit League]] championships in 2001 and 2002. The team has also won two Outdoor Track and Field [[Summit League]] championships in 2001 and 2002.

===Women’s track and field===
===Women’s track and field===
The '''Western Illinois Leathernecks women’s track and field''' team is a member of the [[Ohio Valley Conference]], which is part of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'s [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]]. The team competes its home meets at [[Hanson Field]]. The team has won two Outdoor Track and Field [[Summit League]] championships in 1996 and 2005.
The '''Western Illinois Leathernecks women’s track and field''' team is a member of the [[Ohio Valley Conference]], which is part of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'s [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]]. The team competes its home meets at [[Hanson Field]]. The team has won two Outdoor Track and Field [[Summit League]] championships in 1996 and 2005.
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==Athletic facilities==
==Athletic facilities==
*[[Alfred D. Boyer Stadium]] — Baseball
*[[Alfred D. Boyer Stadium]] — Baseball
⚫
*[[Brophy Courts]] — Women's tennis
*[[Hanson Field]] — Football, Men's and women's track and field
*[[Hanson Field]] — Football, Men's and women's track and field
*[[Harry Mussatto Golf Course]] — Men's and women's golf
*[[Harry Mussatto Golf Course]] — Men's and women's golf
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*[[Spring Lake Course (Illinois)|Spring Lake Course]] — Men's and women's cross country
*[[Spring Lake Course (Illinois)|Spring Lake Course]] — Men's and women's cross country
*[[Western Hall]] — Men's and women's basketball, Volleyball
*[[Western Hall]] — Men's and women's basketball, Volleyball
⚫
*[[WIU Tennis Facility|Brophy Courts]] — Women's tennis


==Western Illinois traditions==
==Western Illinois traditions==
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* [[Rick Short]] – Major League Baseball
* [[Rick Short]] – Major League Baseball


===Men’s Basketball===
===Men's basketball===
* [[Eulis Báez]], Overseas
* [[Eulis Báez]], Overseas
* [[Ceola Clark III]], Overseas
* [[Ceola Clark III]], Overseas
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* [[Terell Parks]], basketball player in the [[Israeli Basketball Premier League]]
* [[Terell Parks]], basketball player in the [[Israeli Basketball Premier League]]


===Women’s Basketball===
===Women's basketball===
* [[Tuğba Palazoğlu]], Overseas
* [[Tuğba Palazoğlu]], Overseas
* [[Zane Tamane]], Women’s National Basketball Association
* [[Zane Tamane]], Women's National Basketball Association


===American Football===
===American football===
* [[Jaelon Acklin]], Canadian Football League
* [[Jaelon Acklin]], Canadian Football League
* [[Jack Atchason]], American Football League
* [[Jack Atchason]], American Football League
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* [[David Bowens]], National Football League
* [[David Bowens]], National Football League
* [[Fabien Bownes]], National Football League
* [[Fabien Bownes]], National Football League
* [[Albert Brown (Canadian football)| Albert Brown]], Canadian Football League
* [[Albert Brown (Canadian football)|Albert Brown]], Canadian Football League
* [[Cyron Brown]], National Football League
* [[Cyron Brown]], National Football League
* [[Steve Carpenter (American football)| Steve Carpenter]], National Football League
* [[Steve Carpenter (American football)|Steve Carpenter]], National Football League
* [[Sam Clemons]], Arena Football League
* [[Sam Clemons]], Arena Football League
* [[Bryan Cox]], National Football League
* [[Bryan Cox]], National Football League
* [[Terriun Crump]], National Football League
* [[Terriun Crump]], National Football League
* [[Wayne DeSutter]], National Football League
* [[Wayne DeSutter]], National Football League
* [[Herb Donaldson (American football)| Herb Donaldson]], National Football League
* [[Herb Donaldson (American football)|Herb Donaldson]], National Football League
* [[John Earle (American football)| John Earle]], National Football League
* [[John Earle (American football)|John Earle]], National Football League
* [[Booker Edgerson]], National Football League
* [[Booker Edgerson]], National Football League
* [[Harry Gamage]], Coach
* [[Harry Gamage]], Coach
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* [[Mike McEachern]], Canadian Football League
* [[Mike McEachern]], Canadian Football League
* [[Lamar McGriggs]], National Football League
* [[Lamar McGriggs]], National Football League
* [[Sean McGuire (Canadian football)| Sean McGuire]], Canadian Football League
* [[Sean McGuire (Canadian football)|Sean McGuire]], Canadian Football League
* [[Russ Michna]], Canadian Football League
* [[Russ Michna]], Canadian Football League
* [[Red Miller]], Coach
* [[Red Miller]], Coach
* [[Dennis Morgan (American football)| Dennis Morgan]], National Football League
* [[Dennis Morgan (American football)|Dennis Morgan]], National Football League
* [[Peter Mueller (Canadian football)|Peter Mueller]], Canadian Football League
* [[Peter Mueller (Canadian football)|Peter Mueller]], Canadian Football League
* [[Peter Muller (Canadian football)| Peter Muller]], Canadian Football League
* [[Peter Muller (Canadian football)|Peter Muller]], Canadian Football League
* [[J.R. Niklos]], National Football League
* [[J.R. Niklos]], National Football League
* [[Bill O'Boyle]], Coach
* [[Bill O'Boyle]], Coach
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* [[Mike Scifres]], National Football League
* [[Mike Scifres]], National Football League
* [[Rich Seubert]], National Football League
* [[Rich Seubert]], National Football League
* [[Paul Singer (American football)| Paul Singer]], Arena Football League
* [[Paul Singer (American football)|Paul Singer]], Arena Football League
* [[Aaron Stecker]], National Football League
* [[Aaron Stecker]], National Football League
* [[Bill Strickland (American football)| Bill Strickland]], National Football League
* [[Bill Strickland (American football)|Bill Strickland]], National Football League
* [[John Teerlinck]], National Football League
* [[John Teerlinck]], National Football League
* [[Marco Thomas]], Arena Football League
* [[Marco Thomas]], Arena Football League
* [[David Tipton (defensive tackle)| David Tipton]], National Football League
* [[David Tipton (defensive tackle)|David Tipton]], National Football League
* [[Gunnard Twyner]], National Football League
* [[Gunnard Twyner]], National Football League
* [[Mike Wagner]], National Football League
* [[Mike Wagner]], National Football League
* [[David Watson (coach)| David Watson]], Coach
* [[David Watson (coach)|David Watson]], Coach
* [[Jason Williams (American football)|Jason Williams]], National Football League
* [[Jason Williams (American football)|Jason Williams]], National Football League
* [[Frank Winters]], National Football League
* [[Frank Winters]], National Football League
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===Soccer===
===Soccer===
* [[Kosuke Kimura]], [[Major League Soccer]]
* [[Kosuke Kimura]], [[Major League Soccer]]
* [[Tom Soehn]] – director of soccer operations for [[Vancouver Whitecaps FC]]
* [[Tom Soehn]], director of soccer operations for [[Vancouver Whitecaps FC]]


===Softball===
===Softball===
* [[Lu Harris-Champer]], Coach
* [[Lu Harris-Champer]], Coach
* [[Gary Lagesse]] – Hall of Fame Softball Coach
* [[Gary Lagesse]], Hall of Fame Softball Coach


===Track===
===Track===
* [[Lee Calhoun]], [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] [[gold medal]] winner
* [[Lee Calhoun]], [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] [[gold medal]] winner

==See also==
* [[List of NCAA Division I conference changes since 2010]]


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{commons cat}}
*[https://goleathernecks.com Official website]
* {{Official website}}


{{Western Illinois University}}
{{Western Illinois University}}
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|titlestyle = {{CollegePrimaryStyle|Western Illinois Leathernecks|color=white}}
|titlestyle = {{CollegePrimaryStyle|Western Illinois Leathernecks|color=white}}
|list =
|list =
{{Summit League navbox}}
{{Ohio Valley Conference navbox}}
{{Ohio Valley Conference navbox}}
{{Missouri Valley Football Conference navbox}}
{{Illinois Sports}}
{{Illinois Sports}}
}}
}}

Latest revision as of 07:45, 29 September 2024

Western Illinois Leathernecks
Logo
UniversityWestern Illinois University
ConferenceOhio Valley Conference (primary)
Big South–OVC Football Association
NCAADivision I (FCS)
Athletic directorPaul Bubb
LocationMacomb, Illinois
Varsity teams20 (8 men's, 12 women's)
Football stadiumHanson Field
Basketball arenaWestern Hall
Baseball stadiumAlfred D. Boyer Stadium
Softball stadiumMary Ellen McKee Softball Stadium
Soccer stadiumMacKenzie Alumni Field
Other venuesHarry Mussatto Golf Course
Spring Lake Course
Brophy Courts
MascotColonel Rock (Live Bulldog), Rocky the Bulldog (Costumed Bulldog)
NicknameLeathernecks
Fight songWe're Marching On
ColorsPurple and gold[1]
   
Websitegoleathernecks.com
Western Illinois Leathernecks new wordmark

The Western Illinois Leathernecks are the teams and athletes that represent Western Illinois University, located in Macomb, Illinois, in NCAA Division I sports. The school's primary conference affiliation is with the Ohio Valley Conference; its football team is a member of the Division I FCS (formerly Division I-AA) Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) and its men's soccer team plays in the Summit League, in which the school had been a member since that conference's formation in 1982. Western Illinois announced on May 12, 2023 its departure from the Summit League to become a full member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) in most sports beginning seven weeks subsequent on July 1. Two Leathernecks teams will play outside the OVC in the fall 2023 season before joining the rest of the school's teams in the OVC in 2024—the football team in the MVFC,[2] and the men's soccer team in the Summit League.[3]

History and nickname

[edit]

WIU's nickname, the Leathernecks, and its mascot, the English bulldog, are taken from the traditions of the United States Marine Corps. The university has had permission to use the official nickname and mascot of the Corps since 1927, when Ray Hanson, then-athletic director and coach of the baseball, basketball and football teams, gained permission to use the symbols as an homage to his service in that military branch during World War I.[4] The university holds the distinction of being the only non-military institution to officially have its nickname derived from a branch of the military service.[4] Since the fall semester of 2009, the men's and women's teams have been unified under the Leathernecks name;[5] previously, the women's teams and athletes at the school had been known as the Westerwinds.

On December 18, 2020 Western Illinois officially discontinued their men’s and women’s swimming programs citing budgetary and COVID-19 concerns.[6] On May 12, 2023 Western Illinois accepted an invitation to join the Ohio Valley Conference starting the 2023-24 season. Prior to Western Illinois joining the Ohio Valley Conference, they were members of the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference from 1914–1970 and the Summit League from 1982–2023. Western leaves the Summit League after being the last charter member of the conference since it was founded in 1982.[7] A week later on May 18, 2023 Western Illinois announced the addition of three more sports for women, this includes beach volleyball, bowling, and STUNT.[8]

Sports sponsored

[edit]
Men's sports Women's sports
Baseball Basketball
Basketball Beach volleyball
Cross country Bowling
Football Cross country
Golf Golf
Soccer Soccer
Track and field† Softball
STUNT
Tennis
Track and field†
Volleyball
† – Track and field includes both indoor and outdoor
Ohio Valley Conference logo in Western Illinois' colors

Baseball

[edit]
Main article: Western Illinois Leathernecks baseball

The Western Illinois Leathernecks baseball team represents the university in NCAA Division I college baseball. The team is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. It plays its home games at the 500-seat Alfred D. Boyer Stadium and are coached by Andy Pascoe.

Men's basketball

[edit]
Main article: Western Illinois Leathernecks men's basketball

The Western Illinois Leathernecks men's basketball team competes in NCAA Division I men's college basketball competition. The school's team is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. The team plays it home games at 5,139-seat Western Hall and are coached by Chad Boudreau.

Women's basketball

[edit]
Main article: Western Illinois Leathernecks women's basketball

The Western Illinois Leathernecks women's basketball team is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The team plays its home games at 5,139-seat Western Hall and are coached by JD Gravina.

Men’s cross country

[edit]

The Western Illinois Leathernecks men’s cross country team is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The team runs at Spring Lake Course. The team won the 1991 Summit League conference championship.

Men’s golf

[edit]

The Western Illinois Leathernecks men’s golf team is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The team plays its home meets at Harry Mussatto Golf Course. The team has won eight Summit League championships in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008. They have made four NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship appearances in 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Football

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Main article: Western Illinois Leathernecks football

The Western Illinois Leathernecks football program competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Missouri Valley Football Conference through the 2023 season, after which the program will join the rest of the team's sports in the Ohio Valley Conference. Technically, WIU football will compete in a football-only alliance between the OVC and the Big South Conference that shares a single automatic berth in the FCS playoffs. The team has made numerous FCS (formerly Division I-AA) playoff appearances. The Leathernecks have been ranked as high as number one and ranked number two numerous times. The team plays its home games at the 16,368 seat Hanson Field and are coached by Jared Elliott.

Men's soccer

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The Western Illinois Leathernecks men's soccer team will play one final Summit League season in 2023 before joining the rest of the university's sports in the Ohio Valley Conference in 2024. Both conferences are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The team plays its home games at 500-seat MacKenzie Alumni Field and are coached by Dr. Eric Johnson. at Harry Mussatto Golf Course. The team has won nine Summit League championships in 1995, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2014. The team has also made six NCAA Division I men's soccer tournament appearances in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2012.

Women's soccer

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The Western Illinois Leathernecks women's soccer team, like its men's counterpart, is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I Ohio Valley Conference. The team plays its home games at 500-seat MacKenzie Alumni Field and are coached by Dr. Eric Johnson. The team won the 2007 Summit League conference championship.

Softball

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The Western Illinois Leathernecks softball team is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The team plays its home games at 500-seat Mary Ellen McKee Softball Stadium and are coached by Alisa Goler. The team has won ten Summit League championships in 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, and 2009. The team has appeared in eight Women's College World Series, in 1970, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1980 and 1982.[9] The team has also made four NCAA Division I softball tournament appearances in 1992, 2000, 2001, and 2008.

Men’s track and field

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The Western Illinois Leathernecks men’s track and field team is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The team competes its home meets at Hanson Field. The team has won two Indoor Track and Field Summit League championships in 2001 and 2002. The team has also won two Outdoor Track and Field Summit League championships in 2001 and 2002.

Women’s track and field

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The Western Illinois Leathernecks women’s track and field team is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The team competes its home meets at Hanson Field. The team has won two Outdoor Track and Field Summit League championships in 1996 and 2005.

Volleyball

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The Western Illinois Leathernecks volleyball team is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The team plays its home games at 5,139-seat Western Hall and are coached by Ben Staupe.

Athletic facilities

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Western Illinois traditions

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Western Loyalty

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The name of the "official" Alma Mater for Western Illinois University is "Western Loyalty".[10]

We're Marching On

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The name of the "official" fight song for Western Illinois University is "We're Marching On".[10]

Western Illinois University Marching Leathernecks

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Main article: Western Illinois University Marching Leathernecks

The "Western Illinois University Marching Leathernecks" is the marching band which represents Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois.[11]

Rocky the Bulldog

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"Rocky the Bulldog" is the costumed athletics mascot for the Western Illinois Leathernecks.[12]

Colonel Rock

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"Colonel Rock" is the live athletics mascot for the Western Illinois Leathernecks.[13]

Western Illinois Cheerleaders

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The "Western Illinois Cheerleaders" are the co-ed cheerleading squad for the Western Illinois Leathernecks.[14]

Notable former athletes

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Baseball

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Men's basketball

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Women's basketball

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American football

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Soccer

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Softball

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Track

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Western Illinois Leathernecks Athletics 2017–18 Branding & Style Guidelines (PDF). July 11, 2017. Retrieved August 28, 2017.
  2. ^ "Leatherneck Athletics Moving to Ohio Valley Conference for All Sports," Western Illinois University Athletics, Friday, May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  3. ^ "Western Illinois University Begins New Era in Ohio Valley Conference" (Press release). Western Illinois Leathernecks. July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "The Leatherneck Nickname". Western Illinois Athletics. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  5. ^ University Relations (2009-06-05). "University comes to decision on nickname unification". Western Illinois University. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
  6. ^ "COACH-LESS WESTERN ILLINOIS DROPS SWIMMING & DIVING PROGRAM, CITING BUDGET" (Press release). Swim Swam. December 18, 2020. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  7. ^ "Western Illinois University to Join the OVC in 2023-24 As New Full Members" (Press release). Ohio Valley Conference. May 12, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  8. ^ "WIU Moving to the Ohio Valley Conference; Adding Three Sports for Women" (Press release). Western Illinois Athletics. May 12, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  9. ^ Plummer, William; Floyd, Larry C. (2013). A Series Of Their Own: History Of The Women's College World Series. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States: Turnkey Communications Inc. ISBN 978-0-9893007-0-4.
  10. ^ a b "Traditions". goleathernecks.com. Retrieved 2018-04-28.
  11. ^ "WIU Marching Leathernecks". wiu.edu. Retrieved 2018-04-28.
  12. ^ "Rocky the Mascot". goleathernecks.com. Retrieved 2018-04-28.
  13. ^ "Colonel Rock". goleathernecks.com. Retrieved 2018-04-28.
  14. ^ "Cheerleading". goleathernecks.com. Retrieved 2018-04-28.
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