On Oct. 17, Memorial Stadium will host a unique symposium that highlights the legendary single-game performance by Harold “Red” Grange against the Michigan Wolverines in 1924. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the 77 Club at Memorial Stadium and is free to the public. The Illini Media Company will also offer a livestream for those who cannot attend in person.
A variety of speakers will discuss the importance of Memorial Stadium’s 100th anniversary and Grange’s legacy at the University. Chris Willis, the author of “Red Grange: The Life and Legacy of the NFL’s First Superstar,” is one of the guests who will join the conversation. Additionally, Dr. Michael Raycraft, a clinical associate professor in the department of recreation, sport and tourism will add to the discussion as well.
“Obviously, people have seen his statue outside the stadium,” Ed Sherman, former Daily Illini Sports Editor and author of “This is B1G: How the Big Ten Set the Standard in College Sports,” said about Grange’s statue. “We’re going to tell you why there’s a statue outside the stadium.”
Sherman is another distinguished individual who will speak at Thursday’s event. He noted that the panel will touch on Memorial Stadium’s history and how it was built. More importantly, he emphasized the excitement behind Red Grange and his dominant performance over Michigan 100 years ago.
“He (Grange) scored four touchdowns against an elite Michigan team,” Sherman described. “He gave Illinois a 27-0 lead with three minutes remaining in the first quarter. He ran for 262 yards of total offense in four plays of the first quarter.”
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The effects of Grange’s performance stretched beyond the limits of Champaign-Urbana. Sherman said that they not only put him on the map but also brought national attention to Illinois and college football in general.
Thursday’s symposium is one of many celebratory events taking place in Champaign this week for Memorial Stadium’s Rededication Game. Sherman described Grange as a “superstar,” as he and many others will further their admiration for his talents on Thursday.
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