Normal, Ill. – Country Financial will serve as the presenting sponsor of the newly established "War on 74" Rivalry Series between Bradley University and Illinois State University Athletics, expanding the longtime Central Illinois rivalry into a season-long competition featuring athletics, academics and community service.
The War on 74 has long represented one of Central Illinois' most recognizable collegiate rivalries. Beginning this year, Bradley and Illinois State will compete throughout the academic year for the War on 74 Rivalry Series trophy, with points awarded based on head-to-head athletic competition, academic achievement and community engagement.
The competition will officially begin with the first head-to-head athletic matchup between the two schools when Bradley Volleyball travels to face Illinois State in October at CEFCU Arena in Normal.
Points toward the Rivalry Series standings will be awarded in several categories, including head-to-head athletic competition, fall semester student-athlete GPA, a community blood drive and Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors in sports sponsored by both institutions.
The school finishing the year with the most points will earn the traveling War on 74 Rivalry Series trophy.
Country Financial will serve as the presenting sponsor of the series, supporting student-athletes from both institutions in competition, in the classroom and throughout the Central Illinois community. Local Country Financial representatives will also take part in athletic events and community service initiatives throughout the year.
"Country Financial is a community-focused, relationship-driven organization, and sports encourage communities to gather together for a common cause," said Chris Mizell, District Leader at Country Financial, who works with Country representatives in Bloomington-Normal. "We're excited to work with Illinois State University and Bradley University to reach the fans who are cheering on their team next to us in the stands."
"As a former student-athlete, I know what this rivalry represents for Central Illinois," said Bryce Kiser, District Leader for the Peoria agency at Country Financial. "It's the pride of supporting your local team and claiming victory. The longstanding rivalry between ISU and Bradley is a great way to rally our representatives and the community in a fun and meaningful way."
"We are excited to welcome Country Financial as a partner in a rivalry that means so much to Bradley, Illinois State and communities throughout Central Illinois," said Dr. Chris Reynolds, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Bradley University. "Their support strengthens this longstanding tradition and helps bring our student-athletes, fans and communities together."
"The longstanding rivalry between Illinois State and Bradley is one of the many things that make competing in athletics at ISU so special," Illinois State Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs said. "College sports are fueled by great rivalries, and we have had many memorable moments against Bradley across all sports in our department's history. The announcement of the War on 74 Rivalry Series will only further that excitement and history and will turn the focus from not only the competition in athletics, but also to academics and community service. We would like to thank Country Financial for their support and sponsorship of the series, and for all of their support of Illinois State Athletics over the years. We look forward to the competition beginning very soon and getting this series officially started."
