Lonnie Perrin passes away
altenberger22
- South Carolina
One of the first players I recall following for the Illini. Can someone confirm -- in addition to RB, did he also kick-off for us?
He did, and I think also kicked field goals. He was an extremely talented running back. Had size and speed, and just had a knack for gaining yards.
Me too. He was one of the player's I will never forget. Believe you me that's getting harder every year! Exceptional athelete. RIP,,,LP
I’m so sad , can’t stop crying . I’ll miss your pop pop. I love you forever ever ever ! Until we meet again
Sad news.
I remember watching Lonnie play. He was the best athlete on the team at the time. He was one of Blackman's "fine young men".
He could run, kick, seemed to do it all. I remember one time when he was injured on a play. Health staff rushed out onto the field and tended to him, got him to his feet.
He began to walk off with assistance, then jog a bit, finally broke into a run to the sidelines.
The home crowd went nuts, a tremendous ovation. Still get chills thinking about the event.
Things like that, and the chief, used to happen at Memorial Stadium.
RIP Lonnie.
He could run, kick, seemed to do it all. I remember one time when he was injured on a play. Health staff rushed out onto the field and tended to him, got him to his feet.
He began to walk off with assistance, then jog a bit, finally broke into a run to the sidelines.
The home crowd went nuts, a tremendous ovation. Still get chills thinking about the event.
Things like that, and the chief, used to happen at Memorial Stadium.
RIP Lonnie.
Loved watching him during my time in Champaign. Gone way too soon.
RIP. Anyone remember Perrin's cross-field lateral on a kickoff to my username namesake George Uremovich in 1972. It took Uremovich about 5 minutes to run 96 yards for the score.
https://www.news-gazette.com/sports...cle_faf8f752-056b-58b4-8036-53d0344d23d4.html
https://www.news-gazette.com/sports...cle_faf8f752-056b-58b4-8036-53d0344d23d4.html
BillyBob1
- Champaign
Remember watching the Bob Blackman show and him describing the play.
altenberger22
- South Carolina
I don't recall that particular play (on radio or TV), but George was my first-ever favorite football player for the Illini. (BTW, GU also dated an Illini cheerleader from my Illinois hometown.)
Blackman: Hard to believe we fired an Illini football coach with a winning Big Ten conference record, while both Woody and Bo were in the league.
RIP Lonnie.
illini80
- Forgottonia
And the stands were full back in those days. I guess there were expectations.
Lonnie was an outstanding player, gave us some hope and someone fun to watch in those days. Uremovich, Chubby Phillips, Scott Studwell were others.
RIP Lonnie, thank you for your success and effort for the beloved O&B. You were one of the greats of the 70's. I too will never forget the 'long cross-field lateral on the kickoff' play. Very exciting..
RIP Lonnie, thank you for your success and effort for the beloved O&B. You were one of the greats of the 70's. I too will never forget the 'long cross-field lateral on the kickoff' play. Very exciting..
illini80
- Forgottonia
Someone called in to Monday Morning Quarterbacks and recalled that the next game they faked the same play and Lonnie nearly ran for a touchdown. Just before my time, but maybe some of you remember.
the next game he faked the cross field lateral, then pitched to a WR going up the sideline. didn't score but thrilling no less!
altenberger22
- South Carolina
I did get to play in the Intramural basketball semi-finals against Chubby Phillips and the Alpha Phi Alpha squad. I think he scored 20-25 pts in their win.
SKane
- Tennessee
Deleted member 4333
D
Guest
I was there, too. And I even remember it!
Looking back at it, it was incredible that he was fired. But we expected him to occasionally beat Woody and Bo. We'd hold our own for 3 quarters but always come up short. At least there were no 63-0 blow-outs.
I remember that play as well. In retrospect, Blackman was a good coach who could never quite get over the hump. Given today's schedule he would have gone bowling every year. Cecil Coleman was a moron, 10X worse than Mike Thomas ever was