Sept. 7, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State University wasn't the only thing renamed Friday at the dedication ceremony, as the town of Normal announced the honorary renaming of Gregory Street as D.A. Weibring Drive, and Mayor Chris Koos also declared the day as "D.A. Weibring Appreciation Day."
"I proclaim September 7, 2007 as `D.A. Weibring Appreciation Day' in the town of Normal," Koos said during the presentation. "I also urge all citizens to recognize D.A. Weibring's professional golf and business successes, as well as his commitment and contribution to Illinois State University and the town of Normal."
Following the announcement from Mayor Koos, Normal's City Manager Mark Peterson presented another surprise.
"As you drove up this morning, you may have noticed some bright, shiny new street signs that were installed about an hour ago," Peterson said at the 10 a.m. press conference. "The town of Normal has existed for 142 years, but the designation of the honorary D.A. Weibring Drive is the first and only time that the town council has taken action to designate a street after a very important individual."
Peterson presented Weibring with a replica of the street sign, before the Redbird great took the microphone.
"Thank you very much. This is very humbling," Weibring said. "I feel very blessed to be able to come back. The biggest excitement about coming (back to campus) was being with my friends and all the people I got to know over the years. Bloomington-Normal is a very special place for me and I'm proud to be a Redbird."
Illinois State's celebration of Weibring will continue Saturda, when he will be honored in a pre-game ceremony prior to the Illinois State-Murray State football game. He will also be honored in length during halftime of the game.
