Forces within the confederation of states and universities known collectively as “Big 10 Country” have conspired to oppress the people of the State of Illinois and its flagship university. As the Big 10’s most populous state, Illinois had enjoyed natural advantages with respect to recruiting and facilities prior to 1967. The university continues to enjoy its status as America’s first and most prominent Land Grant Institution. Its creation is traced to the pen of the greatest of all Illinoisans, Abraham Lincoln.
The jackals waited and in 1967 as Illinois athletics stumbled and was covered in the muck known as “the slush fund,” the beasts descended on their wounded prey until the air was sucked out of Illinois athletics and it was left lifeless and wrecked.
Illinois was riding the crest of basketball and football programs that were at or near the top of the conference and poised for greatness. The basketball squad featured three future pros and the football program was emerging again, two years removed from a Rose Bowl win and led by a future NFL halfback named Cyril Pinder.
The elites and the downtrodden in the Big 10 saw scandal as an opportunity to destroy its rival and lift their own fortunes in the process. If Illinois had resisted the “gut job” proposed by fellow Big 10 presidents, it would have been banished by “the pride” to a life of exile and independent death. Instead Illinois submitted to a death by a thousand cuts that left its marquee sports in disarray and toothless.
Basketball would recover in time only to be beaten down by the cabal of Bruce Pearl, Digger Phelps and Bobby Knight in an effort to stem the tide and crush the sleeping giant as it stood ready to take its rightful place amongst the basketball powers. Whereas, basketball would recover again after a five year decline through 1995; it was football that has been permanently damaged with occasional fits and starts followed by periods of decline. Indeed, through the “slush fund” era, Illinois stars like Butkus and Grange were the brightest in the college universe and its teams were feared and revered throughout the land.
The Mike White era that began with promise and excitement was damaged and scandalized with the encouragement of mortal demons like Schembechler from Michigan. In truth, only lowly Indiana and perhaps Northwestern have enjoyed longer prolonged runs of futility than our Illini. Compare our record excluding ties prior to 1967 of 365 wins and 246 losses (60%) against a post “slush fund” record of 196 wins and 260 losses (43%). It is not hyperbole to suggest that we have never fully recovered from the events of 1967.
The jackals are not alone for we have been our own worst enemies. We have shrunk in the wake of protests and accusations and thought small while projecting weakness and inferiority. Alas, we have accepted mediocrity or worse from our own leaders while cowering with fear from elitists throwing stones from their own glass houses.
We are not worthy of our Fighting Illini moniker if we cower and hide in the face of controversy or battle. Illini Nation must arise together and take back what is ours. We, the sons of Lincoln, Reagan, and Obama must stand together with confidence and defiance to proclaim to the world that our rightful place reflects our past greatness and future excellence. We bow before no one and will fight to the last to defend our honor and bring glory to our name. We will remain unbowed in defeat with heads held high and eyes fixed on the prize which is our rightful reward. We will reclaim our identity and again take our seat at the head of our brothers’ table. Leaders, lead or get out of the way; our moment is at hand!
P.S. This blog was written prior to the OSU game. I’m not sure that game influenced my thoughts on the current season or the State of Illinois football in general.
The game featured the usual stew of penalties, turnovers, and flawed strategies. Did it ever occur to anyone that eight in the box against a running team might work? Additionally, please play to Juice’s strength and go vertical at least four times a game. Please share your frustrations with us on Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. Central Time at talkingillini.com or email us at talkingillini@yahoo.com .
0 comments:
Post a Comment