1979 LP Football Team - Hall of Honor

06/05/2026

Our page in the program.

06/05/2026

Thank you Shaw Media Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame for the wonderful evening! Coach Panizzi will take the Plaque to LP!

06/05/2026

They set the school record for interceptions!

06/05/2026

Great representation of the 1979 LP Football Team!

06/03/2026

Shaw Media Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame doors open 5:00, Auditorium Ballroom, corner of First and Wright Street. See you there THIS THURSDAY, JUNE 4TH.

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

CLASS OF 2026 INDUCTEE: 1979 La Salle-Peru Football Team

● Coached by legendary coach Joe Marini, went 12-1 to finish as Class 4A State Runner-up, third straight runner-up finish

● Squad was ranked No. 1 in the state during the season; shut out every conference opponent

● Lost to Wheaton North 14-6 in 4A state title game

● Outscored opponents 376-114 (28.9 ppg vs. 8.7 ppg)

● Led by all-state players Mike Knoblauch and Jeff Ostrowski

Every Tuesday and Thursday through May 28, we will announce a Class of 2026 inductee of Shaw Media’s Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame. The Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 4 at The Auditorium Ballroom in La Salle. Tickets can be bought at www.illinoisvalleysportshof.com

06/03/2026

Coach Jerry Panizzi was not only All Conference at Hall, but starred on the field at WIU. Panizzi was a fighting Leatherneck at Hanson Field from 1959-1962.

06/02/2026

2026 Shaw Media Sports Hall of Fame
1979 LP Cavaliers Football Team
Thursday, June 4, Auditorium Ballroom, LaSalle.

06/02/2026