Celebrating his 58th birthday on Tuesday is former Illini football letterman Rick George.
A two-sport star at Collinsville High School, he was an all-star defensive back and offensive end for the Kahok football team, started at guard for a basketball team that played third in Illinois's prep tournament, and played baseball
George was inserted into the special teams lineup as a freshman in 1978 by UI coach Gary Moeller, then earned a starting job in the defensive backfield as a sophomore.
He stayed in the starting lineup under Mike White, starting 27 games altogether.
George is one of only two Illini players who has been a two-time recipient of the school's Bruce Capel Award, given for dedication and courage.