Fighting Illini History Detailed in Football Vault®, “From Zuppke to Halas to Grange to Nitschke, some of the greatest names in football history are associated with the Orange and Blue, but you don’t have to be a football fanatic to enjoy this book,” says former Illini linebacker Dick Butkus in the afterword to the University of Illinois Football Vault®: The History of the Fighting Illini. “I’m sure that after reading about the great tradition and history of the Fighting Illini, you will respect their place among the great programs of all time.” As much a scrapbook as it is a history book, opening the vault is like getting a tour through your own personal Illinois football museum. And who better to be your guide than Champaign News-Gazette beat writer Bob Asmussen, who has spent the last two decades covering Illini football. Asmussen mixes great game coverage with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and personal stories to present a view of Illini football that you won’t find anywhere else. Not only are all the great stories here, but you’ll also find replicas of unique memorabilia. Explore the Vault’s dozens of sleeves and pockets to get your hands on 1907 sheet music for “We’re Loyal To You, Illinois,” a hand-drawn copy of Robert Zuppke’s favorite play, a $50,000 pledge card for Memorial Stadium, a 1926 Red Grange movie poster and replica tickets from the 1947 and 1952 Rose Bowls.