Here's the story in Macomb newspaper on the Valpo at WIU football game:
www.mcdonoughvoice.com/sports/x863069478/Leathernecks-set-to-start-over Leathernecks set to start over By Shelby Burget
The McDonough County Voice
Posted Aug 31, 2010 @ 11:34 PM
MACOMB — The 2009 football season at Western Illinois University was one to be remembered – for all the wrong reasons.
After winning the season opener against Sam Houston State, the Leathernecks finished on a 10-game losing streak to conclude the season with program's worst record in 65 years.
“The best thing about last season is that it's over,” said WIU senior quarterback Matt Barr after the first day of drills.
If that is indeed the case, then perhaps the next-best thing is that the 2010 campaign is set to begin.
The Leathernecks take to Hanson Field Thursday as they face Valparaiso in a 6 p.m. contest. It is the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
Valparaiso is a member of the Pioneer League, a non-scholarship FCS conference. A new coaching staff is in place for the Crusaders, led by head coach Dale Carlson. Valpo returns 39 letterwinners from last year's 1-10 team. Six starters each on offense and defense are among the returnees for a team that ended its season with a nine-game losing streak.
Offensively, Tim Bennett recorded 773 all-purpose yards for the Crusaders a year ago. Defensively, Nikko Carson notched 11 tackles for-loss. Eli Crawford was third on the team in tackles last year with 56 and has nine interceptions during his first three years.
For Western Illinois, Mark Hendrickson is firmly in control as he enters his first season as head coach. Serving as an acting head coach during parts of the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Hendrickson was appointed head coach back on December 2, 2009.
The Leathernecks return 38 letterwinners, including 14 starters from a year ago. Twenty-one letterwinners, including six starters are back on offense. That includes Barr (59-of-104, 914 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs), who was injured in the season's fourth game against Southern Illinois and missed the remainder of the year. WR Lito Senatus (65 catches, 819 yard, 5 TDs) returns, along with FB Josh Gabelmann.
Anchoring the line are tackles Mike Lamphear (6-4, 275) and Enock Presendieu (6-4, 300); guards Max Dancer (6-2, 275) and Gary Sumlin (6-3, 285) and center Jordan Valle (6-2, 260).
On defense, linebacker Kyle Glazier (6-1, 220, 120 total tackles) returns, along with No. 2 tackler Brandon Kreczmer (6-2, 225, 88 total tackles, 7 sacks). Other returnees include DL Victor Visoky (6-4, 255) and Mike Stieren (6-1, 235).
“Even though there's a lot of the same guys here and a lot of the same coaches, this is a whole new season and a whole new team,” said Glazier. “We're really looking forward to getting to work and getting better every day and getting some wins this season.
“If we do a lot of little things better, we feel like we'll have a totally different season and it'll translate on the field,” he added.
Preseason all-MVFC return specialist Todd Speight also returns after averaging 11.2 yards per punt return and 20.9 yards per kickoff return. Punter Chris Fuchs (64 punts, 38.2 yard average) is also back for his senior season.
Among the newcomers on offense is running back Caulton Ray (5-9, 165), who transferred from Michigan State to WIU back in January.
In addition, new offensive coordinator Doug Ruse brings a no-huddle offense system from Arkansas State.
On defense, Alex Martinez (6-1, 300) joins WIU from L.A. Pierce College, while SS Raynard Pamilton (5-11, 200) and FS Keith Enderlein (6-1, 215) are transfers from San Joaquin Delta College.
WIU has lost its last six home games, dating back to a 48-45 overtime win against Illinois State on November 15, 2008. Thursday's game is the first of six home games for WIU this season.
“There's nobody on this team that's reflecting on (2009) whatsoever,” said Barr. “We've all moved on and we're all super-excited about this year's team, the coaching staff, the players we've brought in and the veterans that came back. … Everybody's excited about the direction this team is going.”
Valparaiso (1-10) at W. Illinois (1-10)
WHEN: Thursday, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Hanson Field, Macomb
Series: First-ever meeting.
Rankings: WIU - None. VU - None.
Note: WIU 39-14 all-time in home openers
Radio: WIUS-FM (88.3), WRMS-FM (94.3)
On the web:
www.goleathernecks.com 
