Illini Embark for Coast And Date with UCLA
By: JACK PROWELL
Saturday, December 21, 1946
More than 1,500 townspeople and students bade the Rose bowl-bound Illini football team "Good luck!" Friday night as the Big Nine champions began a three-day trip to Pasadena and the Tournament of Roses.
The Illini, 43 strong, left the Illinois Central station on the Panama Limited in three special coaches at 6:48 p.m. Friday, sent off by a crowd largely composed of townspeople.
Many a student had already gone home on Christmas vacations, and their official send-off had been made at a rally Thursday. As the footballers boarded the Panama, other students hopped on it and a northbound train, going home for Christmas.
Only A Contrast
A light snow fell as the Panama left Champaign, but that was only a contrast to what the Illini might expect when they arrive at Alhambra, Cal., near Pasadena, at 9:04 a.m. Monday. It'll be from snow to sunshine.
Several wives were on the platform, seeing their gridder-husbands off and making final plans to meet them in Pasadena. One husband was the fullback from Champaign, Ray Grierson. Another was Quarterback Tom Gallagher. Girlfriends saw several others off.
It was a precedent-shattering trip the Illini began to play UCLA New Year's day. Not in 25 years, since 1921, has a Big Nine team played in the Rose bowl. That was when Ohio State went west and bowed to Stanford 21-0.
Illinois will be fighting to prove Big Nine football power. They'll be handicapped by lack of good practice conditions here, but Coach Ray Eliot has called a practice for Monday afternoon, shortly after the arrival in Pasadena.
The Illini were well-staffed, for seven coaches made the trip ... many of them with their wives. There were Eliot, Burt Ingwersen, Tony Blazine, Ralph Fletcher, John Tarwain, Leo Johnson and Ross Anderson.
Several faculty members, alumni and newspapermen were also in the official party.
The Illini had special hours in the private diner, so the players may be served meals regularly.