Marion Rushing honored with street name
08/12/2010 | 12:00:00 | Football
Aug. 12, 2010
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University Department of Athletics honored Saluki Hall of Famer Marion Rushing by renaming Tennis Drive, Marion Rushing Lane. About 125 people attended the ceremony hosted by SIU, Thursday, August 12, at noon on campus.
"Today is the first in a series of events over the next two months that will highlight Saluki Way," Saluki Director of Athletics Mario Moccia said. "Marion Rushing had a very prestigious career and will hold a prestigious place literally on this campus for years to come."
Moccia also mentioned that along with the new football stadium and renovated arena, that a new track will be built near Abe Martin Field. Rushing Competed in all three sports.
Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees approved the name change at one of its regular meetings last December. Pinckneyville Mayor Joseph Holder presented a commemorative sign and plaque, stating SIU's approval to rename the street to honor and recognize the achievements of Rushing, a life-long Pinckneyville resident. Holder, along with master of ceremonies Mike Reis, Moccia, Marion's wife Bonnie, former SIU Assistant Athletic Director Fred Huff and Ryan Rushing, a current Saluki football player and cousin of Rushing, all spoke at the ceremony.
"Marion's roots go very deep in Pinckneyville," Bonnie Rushing said. "There was no question of where his permanent residence would be."
Rushing earned more athletic letters than any other athlete in Saluki history and was inducted into the inaugural class of the Saluki Hall of Fame in 1978. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 46.
He earned a total of 13 letters while competing in football, basketball, track, and wrestling for SIU. He played on the defensive line for the Salukis from 1954-57, and was named to the All-Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference team in football in1956 and 1957. He also set a new school record in the javelin in 1958 and was a two-time winner of the coveted Henry Hinkley award, which was given to SIU's top all-around athlete.
Following his career at SIU, Rushing went on to play 10 seasons of professional football in both the NFL and AFL at linebacker for the Chicago Bears, St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Oilers.
