Those Were The Days - 1998 Fighting Illini Football Team
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We were down in Champaign recently for an Illini game and as part of the pre-game festivities we spent some time in what they call the "Legacy Lounge" in the Northwest corner of Memorial Stadium. Along with a nice bar and some good tailgate chow (bbq sandwiches this week), they have photos of a bunch of the past Fighting Illini football teams. There, on a few of the team photos, was a picture of *this guy* that I was able to show my nieces and nephews and kids. That was kinda fun. There's a page here on the blog that chronicles a bit more about my time as a punter on the Fighting Illini football team in the 90's. Jake Parrillo - punter on Illinois football team . If you look closely at the photo, you'll see me in #44. They also gave me this sweet "football alumni" lanyard that granted access to the field. Really nice way to embrace former players - even guys like me - beyond the annual "Varsity I" weekend game.