In the aftermath of The Chief removal, The University of Illinois Fighting Illini will apparently be participating in a new tradition this Saturday: touching the Grange Rock.
Illinois is starting a new tradition by having the players touch the Grange Rock as they run out of the locker room. The Grange Rock, dedicated in 1994 as a memorial to Illini great Red Grange, has been relocated near the northeast end zone, where the players enter the field.
“We’ve definitely talked about that,” receiver Kyle Hudson said. “We’re trying to make it a tradition, leaving from the rock. A lot of the players are excited about it.”
The Grange Rock came from the same Indiana stone quarry that produced the granite columns of the stadium.
Illini starts new tradition without Chief
Memorial Stadium History
September 8th, 2009 at 7:43 am
[...] other ways to honor the Galloping Ghost include the Grange Rock, which was unveiled by the University last year as a timeless symbol of Illinois’ storied [...]
September 10th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
[...] United States flag, and their head coach Ron Zook. It is customary for team members to touch the Grange Rock when entering the field. The coin-toss will soon follow, and the game will [...]