The McKendree University football team would like to recognize the 11 seniors in this year's Class of 2021, and their contribution to the Bearcats program.

Shelby Benn (pictured below) will graduate with a degree in Supply Chain management and Business Management, and the recipient of the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award. Benn has been a powerful influencer as the Student Government Association (SGA) president for the past three years. He was inspired by the late Congressman John Lewis' challenge to "get in good trouble, necessary trouble". Benn has organized and led numerous projects devoted to diversity, health, safety and social justice. On the field, Benn appeared in 24 games along the defensive line. He registered 41 tackles, two for loss, 11 solo, 11 stops, two quarterback sacks, and one fumble return. Benn was an Academic All-GLVC honoree.

Iben King will graduate with a degree in Pre-Med Chemistry, and will return for the fall 2021 season. King recorded 86 tackles with 41 solos, four bass break-ups, and one forced fumble. King was a three-time Academic All-GLVC honoree.

Josh Lazaro will graduate with a degree in Pre-Med Biology. Lazaro served as the Bearcats' primary placekicker. Lazaro set a program record with 83 points scored in 2018, set a career-long 47-yard effort at Indianapolis on Oct. 20, 2018, had 20 touchbacks on kickoffs, went 28-of-39 on field goal attempts, and went 100-of-115 in point after tries. Lazaro was an honorable mention All-America selection by Don Hansen's Football Gazette, named First Team All-GLVC, and wan Academic All-GLVC honors. 

Steven Leadlove will graduate will a degree in Exercise Science. Leadlove appeared in 28 games, with four touchdown catches, caught 15 passes for 237 yards, and six receptions for 134 yards. Leadlove was an Academic All-GLVC honoree.

Martez Malone, Jr., was a Phi Beta Sigma President of Gamma Rho Eta Chapter and will graduate with a degree in Sports management.  Malone appeared in 10 games, recording one tackle, two passes for 30 yards, and one kickoff return for six yards.

Kevin Memminger will graduate with a degree in Communications Studies, and will return for the fall 2021 season. Memminger appeared in two games, recording four tackles with two solos.

Tony Pisoni will graduate with a degree in Business Management, and will return for the fall 2021 season. Pisoni appeared in 13 games at defensive back and on special teams. He recorded 26 stops including 21 solos, and one blocked kick. Pisoni was an Academic All-GLVC honoree.

Bennett Richter will return for the fall 2021 season to finish up his master's degree. Richter appeared in 23 games at linebacker and on special teams, recording 18 tackles with 10 solos. Richter was a two-time Academic All-GLVC honoree.

Caleb Shipley (pictured below) will graduate with a degree in Special Education and Elementary Education, and was the Fellowship of Christian Athletes President, and the recipient of the 2020 Lincoln Laureate Award. It was Shipley's spirit of servant leadership that recently earned him the State of Illinois' highest student honor. His passion for working toward the good of others made him the perfect candidate to represent McKendree University at the 46th Annual Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Ceremony this past November. On the field, Shipley served as the Bearcats' primary long snapper on punts, field goals and extra point attempts. He recorded nine tackles with four solos, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. Shipley was a three-time Academic All-GLVC honoree and was named Second Team All-GLVC.

Kenny Thomason will graduate with a degree in Sports Management and Marking, and will return for the fall 2021 season. Thomason helped block for one of the GLVC's top 10 rushers and protect the Bearcats' quarterback, who was sacked just 12 times in 11 games in the 2019 season. Thomason was a three-time Academic All-GLVC honoree.

Michael Tucker is a 2020 grad with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing, and will return for the fall 2021 season to finish up his Master's Degree in Business Administration. Tucker posted 113 tackles with 52 solos, 19 stops, two pass break-ups, two quarterback sacks, and one touchdown. Tucker was a three-time Academic All-GLVC honoree.

pictured left to right, Shelby Benn and Caleb Shipley