Happy Thanksgiving

Nothing beats playing football after Thanksgiving. That was the sentiment around the Leatherneck Football program this week as Western prepares for its opening round game at Coastal Carolina.

It has been a whirlwind week for us. Starting with Saturday's win over UNI, to Sunday's selection show and this week preparing for the business trip to Myrtle Beach/Conway area.

These have been a great group of student-athletes to work with, especially the 17 seniors. Everyone has worked hard to get to this point, and they know this is just the beginning.

I'll have updated on Twitter at WIUSID and WIUAthletics throughout the game, and it can be seen for free on the NCAA.com website.

I took my youngest son to football practice today and he had a blast. They went inside to Brophy for a 90 minute workout, then enjoyed a team meal. I told him the last time I went to practice on Thanksgiving Day was five years ago. Always appreciate every playoff appearance, you never know when the next one will be.

And with today being Thanksgiving, here are a few things I'm thankful for
Family and Friends, both current and those yet to come
Being at Western and working in a great athletics department
Playing football after Thanksgiving...

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. Good luck to all the teams competing over the next week, it's time to hit the road to South Carolina.

Until next time,
Patrick Osterman and Go Leathernecks