HR0689 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0689 LRB104 20942 LAW 34742 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the members and coaching staff of the Illinois State University football team, the Redbirds, for their historic and remarkable performance during the 2025-2026 season, culminating in an appearance in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship game; and

WHEREAS, Under the visionary leadership of Head Coach Brock Spack, the winningest coach in program history and a proud native of Rockford, the Redbirds demonstrated unparalleled resilience and determination; and

WHEREAS, Following a challenging mid-season stretch, the Redbirds players galvanized their efforts to win four consecutive road playoff games, a feat never before accomplished in the history of the FCS, earning them the well-deserved title of "Road Warriors"; and

WHEREAS, This unprecedented playoff run included a stunning 29-28 upset of the top-seeded North Dakota State University football team, the Bison, secured by a two-point conversion catch by fullback Scotty Presson Jr. from quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse; and

WHEREAS, On January 5, 2026, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, the Redbirds overcame a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit against the Montana State University football team, the Bobcats, sending the FCS championship game to overtime for the first time in FCS history; and

WHEREAS, Several individual Redbirds achieved historic milestones this season, including senior quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, who set single-season program records for passing yards (3,568), completions (334), and touchdowns (40); and

WHEREAS, Wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz solidified his legacy as one of the program's greatest players with 40 career touchdown receptions, while freshman Dylan Lord emerged on the national stage with a career-high 13 catches and 161 yards in the title game; and

WHEREAS, Running back Victor Dawson proved his dominance with four consecutive 100-yard rushing performances during the playoffs, and linebacker Tye Niekamp provided First-Team All-American leadership for a defense that personified the "family mentality"; and

WHEREAS, The Redbirds excelled not only on the gridiron but also in the classroom, setting an in-season team GPA record during this historic run, proving themselves to be true student-athletes and exceptional representatives of Illinois State University and the Bloomington-Normal community; and

WHEREAS, The unwavering support of the "Redbird Nation", including the Big Red Marching Machine and thousands of fans who traveled to Nashville, provided a vibrant and boisterous atmosphere that showcased the spirit of the State of Illinois to a national audience of millions; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the players and coaching staff of the Illinois State University football team, the Redbirds, and the entire Illinois State University Athletics Department on their historic 2025-2026 season and the team's status as NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Runner-Up; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Illinois State University President Dr. Aondover Tarhule, Head Coach Brock Spack, and the members of the Redbirds football team as an expression of our esteem and respect.