Blog, January 2013

Leatherneck Basketball Fans:

On behalf of Jim Molinari, his staff, and your Leatherneck men's basketball team... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your attendance at Thursday night's game versus South Dakota State. While the game didn't end with the result we all wanted, it was an awesome college basketball environment for Western Illinois University and the Macomb community. Our Marketing/Promotions staff did a great job with the "Western White Out" promotion. "White Out" promotions are common at colleges and universities across the country and to those of you who came wearing Western White... thank you. Even if you didn't wear white, your attendance is appreciated and valued.

We had a great crowd on Thursday, almost 4,200 loyal fans (faculty, staff, students, community members) cheering for your Leathernecks. It was the largest crowd to watch a conference game in 25 years. Your attendance helped create a traditional NCAA Division I college basketball atmosphere. Western Hall looked awesome. Coach Molinari commented to me after the game that he had goose bumps walking onto the court prior to tip-off. It's no secret that he's worked very hard for five years to experience that kind of environment. 

But we're not done yet. We have another very challenging game on Saturday night versus North Dakota State. The Bison are currently in first place in the Summit League standings.  Your Leathernecks are in second place. A victory on Saturday night will put us back in a tie for first. We need another great home court advantage, and we need you, and all your family and friends to come to Western Hall.

Saturday night is "Purple Pride" night. Put on your favorite Purple Leatherneck gear and come to Western Hall to support your Leathernecks. Game time is at 7 p.m.

Once again, thank you so much for your interest and continued support of our coaches and student-athletes.