Get ready for an epic showdown as the men’s and women’s basketball teams from Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University go head-to-head in an exhibition doubleheader. This long-awaited event will take place on Sunday, October 29, at CEFCU Arena, marking the first time in decades that these teams will face off. But this rivalry has a rich history of intercity competition that dates back to 1910.
The action-packed day will kick off with the women’s teams hitting the court at 1 p.m., followed by the men’s game 30 minutes later. If you’re a fan, make sure to arrive early as CEFCU Arena opens its doors at noon. Tickets are on sale now, with general admission priced at $20 for both games. And here’s some great news for students: Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan students can enjoy free admission with a valid student ID.
While it’s been a long time coming, this matchup is not entirely unprecedented. The women’s teams have faced each other a few times since the 1970s, and the men’s teams last clashed on January 13, 1970. In fact, the Titans emerged victorious in that game with a thrilling 69-68 win, thanks to a clutch jump shot by their team captain, Tom Gramkow. Interestingly, basketball legend Doug Collins was present at the game but could only watch from the sidelines as a freshman.
The decision to revive this historic rivalry was sparked by the women’s teams. Assistant coaches Brian Ehresman from Illinois Wesleyan and Scott Gillespie from Illinois State played a significant role in bringing this game back to life. Their conversations during a recruiting event a couple of years ago planted the seed, and now we’re here.
On the men’s side, the idea of reigniting this rivalry was discussed between Ryan Pedon, the head coach of the Redbirds, and Ron Rose, the head coach of the Titans. During a meeting in Milwaukee last summer, Rose beat Pedon to the punch by proposing the idea. It’s clear that both teams have been eager to face off again, and a recent 50-year reunion of the Wesleyan team that won in 1970 further fueled the desire to make this happen.
When it comes to coaching prowess, Mia Smith, the head coach of Illinois Wesleyan, is a force to be reckoned with. With 25 years of experience under her belt, she holds the record for the most victories in school history, boasting an impressive 458-190 overall record. In 2012, she led her team to victory in the NCAA Division III Championship. On the other side, Ron Rose has had a taste of CEFCU Arena before, but it didn’t end well. His last coaching experience at the arena resulted in a tough loss that still haunts him.
Although the women’s teams have limited history against each other, several players from Illinois Wesleyan have already graced the CEFCU Arena court as members of IHSA state-qualifying teams. The same goes for some Illinois State players who competed in high school championships. CEFCU Arena has become a familiar battleground for these talented athletes.
It’s worth noting that there’s a personal connection between the teams as well. Ty Blake, a walk-on guard for Illinois State, and Mason Funk, a freshman guard for Wesleyan, were once teammates in high school at University High in Normal. Additionally, Brian Ehresman, the assistant women’s coach at Wesleyan, spent four years at Illinois State as a graduate assistant and video coordinator.
As for the series record, each school has a slightly different count. Illinois State claims a 68-36 advantage over the Titans, while Illinois Wesleyan believes they are ahead with a 69-42 record. Regardless, this doubleheader promises to be a thrilling battle between two fierce rivals.
Will this game become a tradition once again? Only time will tell. Ryan Pedon and Kristen Gillespie, the head coaches of Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan women’s basketball teams respectively, are open to the idea. They both recognize the potential for a great tradition but want to see how this year’s event unfolds before making any commitments.
In addition to the excitement on the court, this doubleheader serves a greater purpose. Proceeds from the games will be split between the Western Avenue Community Center, a social service organization and community center in Bloomington, and a mental health partnership between Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan. So, not only will you be witnessing an intense basketball showdown, but you’ll also be supporting important causes.
Mark your calendars for October 29 and get ready to witness history in the making as Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan battle it out on the basketball court. It’s a showdown you won’t want to miss!