McKendree Bearcats Football Tickets

McKendree University, located in Lebanon, Illinois, boasts a football program that has been steadily gaining recognition within the realm of college football. The McKendree Bearcats have proven themselves to be true competitors over the past few years, and their hard work and dedication has paid off with numerous successes on both individual and team levels.

One notable accomplishment for the McKendree Bearcats was earning an invitation to the 2016 NCAA Division II playoffs. The team had an impressive record of nine wins and three losses during that season, which was good enough to earn them an at-large bid following an impressive showing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Though they ultimately lost to Emporia State in the first round of the playoffs, the appearance alone signaled a shift in attention toward the once-overlooked Bearcat program.

Since that playoff run, the team has continued to impress with strong showings in conference play. In 2017, the Bearcats went undefeated in non-conference play and finished second overall in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with a regular-season record of 8-2. They closed out the season with another trip to the Mineral Water Bowl, though they ultimately fell to Missouri Western State by a score of 45-21.

It's worth noting that the McKendree Bearcats compete at the NCAA Division II level, which puts them in the company of hundreds of other programs across the country. While many sports fans might be more familiar with top-tier Division I powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State, or Clemson, there is still plenty of excitement to be found in Division II football. Games can be just as competitive, and the players are often just as skilled (even if they don't receive as much media attention).

In fact, some might argue that the smaller nature of Division II programs like the McKendree Bearcats allows for a closer-knit environment in which players can really come together as a team. With fewer scholarships and less stringent NCAA regulations, these programs often have more flexibility to mold their rosters as they see fit. For McKendree, this has meant assembling groups of hard-working players who are committed to building something special together.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the coaching staff that leads the McKendree Bearcats on and off the field. Head coach Mike Babcock has been with the program since 2011 and has overseen much of its recent success. His focus on developing well-rounded athletes who excel both in the classroom and on the gridiron has been a defining characteristic of the team under his leadership.

Looking ahead, it's clear that the McKendree Bearcats remain eager to build on their momentum and continue carving out their place in the world of college football. Though they face stiff competition both within their conference and across the nation, the team has already shown that they can rise to the occasion and come out on top. With a dedicated fanbase and talented group of players, there's no telling how high this team can climb.