In what had the makings of a multi-team transaction, the Illinois State football team, Friday, traded its date with Western Kentucky to Wisconsin and added a home game against Southwest Texas State as the 2001 schedule snapped back into shape with 11 games, including six home dates.
The Redbirds home game against Gateway Football Conference member Western Kentucky, originally scheduled for September 29, will now be played on November 3, formerly Illinois States off week, to accommodate WKUs make-up date against Wisconsin. The game between the Hilltoppers and the Badgers was previously scheduled for Saturday.
In addition to that change, the Birds will still be playing at Hancock Stadium for Family Day on September 29. However, instead of WKU, the Redbirds will square off against No. 20 Southwest Texas State for the first meeting between the two schools. Both the September 29 and November 3 games will kick-off at 1:30 pm CT.
Illinois State Director of Athletics Perk Weisenburger was pleased with the outcome.
"We did this for basically two reasons," Weisenburger said. "One, to give us a sixth home game and a full 11-game schedule, which is important to our team and program. In the process, we were also able to assist a fellow Gateway Football Conference member in being able to secure Western Kentuckys financial guarantee with Wisconsin."
Wisconsin Director of Athletics Pat Ritcher was grateful for Illinois States efforts.
"We appreciate the efforts of both Western Kentucky and Illinois State in helping us make these schedule alterations," Richter said. "Schools all across the nation had to work hard this week to change schedules after Thursdays postponements. We could not have rescheduled our game so quickly with the diligent efforts and cooperation of both Western Kentucky and Illinois State."
Dr. Wood Selig, Western Kentuckys director of athletics, shared Richters sentiments.
"Given the present-day circumstances, it is understandable that we had to postpone and reschedule our Wisconsin football game," Selig said. "We appreciate the efforts of fellow Gateway Conference member Illinois State in order to allow us to move our game to November, and are also thankful that Southwest Texas State agreed to fill our September date at ISU."
Ticket information regarding the Western Kentucky and Southwest Texas State games will be available beginning next week.
