GAME NOTES

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(LEBANON, Ill., Sept. 8)--The McKendree University football team will kick off its 2011 season on Saturday when the Bearcats play host to Malone University. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. at Leemon Field.

Saturday's game also marks "Salute to Hometown Heroes" day at McKendree. All active duty and retired military, along with first responders, will be admitted free. There will be a special pre-game ball presentation by the first responders and pre-game show to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our country.

It will be a match-up of two institutions in the midst of a three-year transition towards NCAA Division II membership as the Bearcats and Pioneer tangle in a non-conference affair. Both teams, who were accepted into the membership process back in July 2010, were members of the Mid-States Football Association last season but will be spending the 2011 campaign as NCAA Division II independents. The McKendree program will play in the inaugural football season of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) in 2012.

McKendree is coming off a 9-3 effort during the 2010 season. The Bearcats won the final of seven MSFA Midwest League championships and reached the NAIA Football Championship Series quarterfinals. Malone, which went 3-7 last year, opened its 2011 season last Thursday with a thrilling 40-34 double overtime victory at home against Tiffin University.

Carl Poelker enters his 16th season at McKendree, and his 30th overall as a collegiate head coach. Poelker earned his 200th career victory last November in the Bearcats' NAIA first-round playoff victory at McPherson College. Eric Hehman is in his second year at the helm of the Malone program.

Every McKendree football contest can be heard live on the Bearcat Sports Network. Visit the following link to access the broadcast: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/mck.portal#