The 1961 Illinois State Normal Redbirds football team was an American football team that represented Illinois State Normal University (now known as Illinois State University) as a member of the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) during the 1961 college football season. In their 17th year under head coach Edwin Struck, the Redbirds compiled a 5–4 record (4–2 in conference games), tied for second place in the IIAC, and were outscored by a total of 142 to 129.Official Collegiate Football Record Book 1962, p. .
The team played its home games at McCormick Field in Normal, Illinois.
Schedule
Statistics
The 1961 Redbirds gained 1,913 yards of total offense (212.5 per game) consisting of 1,358 rushing yards (150.8 per game) and 555 passing yards (61.6 per game). On defense, they gave up 2,279 yards (253.2 per game), including 1,431 rushing yard (159 per game) and 848 passing yards (94.2 per game).
The team's leading rushers were halfbacks Ron Schieber (577 yards, 134 carries) and Bert Popejoy (424 yards, 100 carries, 4.24-yard average). Schieber also led the team in total offense (577 yards) and scoring (54 points on nine touchdowns).
Quarterback Keith Rieger completed 52 of 121 passes (42.9%) for 540 yards with five touchdowns and six interceptions. End Bill Monken was the leading receiver with 22 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns.
Awards and honors Senior quarterback Keith Rieger from Forrest, Illinois, and senior tackle Dave Babock from Cerro Gordo, Illinois, were the team's co-captains.
Halfback Ron Schieber was selected as the team's most valuable player for the 1961 season.The Index 1962 (Illinois State Normal yearbook), p. 206.
Three Illinois State players received first-team honors on the 1961 All-IIAC football team: Bill Monken at offensive end; Tom Mackiewicz at defensive end; and Dave Babcock at defensive tackle.
Gallery
References