Fighting Illini Football - Homecoming 2019

A few weeks ago, we packed up the Minivan and went down to Champaign for Illinois Homecoming.  That started with a visit to Memorial Stadium where the Illini were taking on the Wisconsin Badgers and I was able to participate in the annual Varsity I weekend where they welcome back past athletes (see my Football Alumni badge at the top) and all the festivities that includes like a tailgate party, some free tickets and going on the field before the game.   We watched the game (at least most of it) and also had a nice time with my sisters at their tailgate in Grange Grove.

As part of the Varsity I celebration, the Athletic Department hosts what they call the "Legacy Tunnel" - where former players line up and the team charges out in front of when they leave the locker room.  I had a good spot - facing West - and snapped a few photos of the Fighting Illini Football Team wearing their "Grey Ghost" uniforms.  Check out this post that shows the 1998 team photo and the traditional blue tops and orange pants we wore.

After the tunnel, we lurked around on the field for a bit and I was able to relive my days as a punter on the team.

Then of course, we packed up and walked through the Quad, took some photos outside of Kam's on the final weekend and bought the kids some gear.