Everyone is invited out for the weigh-in. It's a great opportunity for the public to come out and meet the football team's coaches and players.

Last year we had 55 teams, and we're on pace to break 60 teams this year. We have fathers bringing in their sons and daughters to fish. Some of the teams are coming from as far away as Indiana and Missouri.

Last year, some of the money went toward their conference title rings. They use the money for many things - maybe a meal on the road. It's just a way to help the team.

I met Coach (Jerry) Kill the first week he was here. He fit the mold of Southern Illinois, but he was coming into a tough situation with the football team. So, I thought this would be a way to help him with the football program.

We have excellent shooters and had good rotation, but sometimes that just happens.

We knew what to do, we just had to calm down.