Dec. 13, 2011
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Fighting Illini wrestling team will hold a support drive to benefit the Eastern Illinois Foodbank at Sunday's 1 p.m. dual against UT-Chattanooga. Fans are encouraged to donate food to assist the foodbank in serving the hungry in 14 counties in Eastern Illinois. Canned goods will be collected throughout the match at the marketing table at the North end of Huff Hall and admission to the match is free for all fans.
"The food drive is something we started three years ago to help those in need from our community during the holiday season," head coach Jim Heffernan said. "Jim Hires, who runs the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, has been an avid wrestling fan for many years, so it is also a way to assist him in his efforts during this time. We hope to be able to contribute to the basic needs for many people in this community with our food drive, and encourage everyone to participate."
In addition to the food drive, the Illinois coaches along with select wrestlers will put on a youth clinic from 11:30-12:30 at Huff Hall. The event is open to the general public eighth graders and younger.
Illinois wrestling fans will also have the chance to win an exclusive Meet and Greet on Friday, Feb. 3 before the Wisconsin dual by joining the Take Down Club and attending four of the six home Illini matches this season. Membership is free and fans can pick up their card and get it stamped at the promotions table in the North end of Huff Hall at each match. For more information, contact Director of Marketing Carrie Snyder at 217-333-6969.
"I am looking forward to spending time with the Take Down Club this year to allow our most loyal fans the opportunity to become more familiar with our program on a personal level," Heffernan said. "Our goal is to grow this to the point where we are filling Huff Hall for every meet."
Illinois will host the Mocs on Sunday with Illinois holding an undefeated 8-0 record against Chattanooga all-time. The Illini hammered the Mocs 38-6 in the schools' last meeting in 2003.
