MONMOUTH, ILL. When the football teams from Monmouth College and Knox College line up at noon Nov. 13 at April Zorn Memorial Stadium for the annual Turkey Bowl Game, it will be one of two big kickoffs on the day.
Monmouth will also use the event to kick off its months-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the federal law that led to more opportunities for women to compete in intercollegiate athletics. The federal civil rights law, signed by President Nixon on June 23, 1972, reads, "No person in the United States shall, based on sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." In conjunction with the Fighting Scots-Prairie Fire football game - which extends the second-longest college football rivalry west of the Allegheny Mountains - the College's Alumni Association has invited women back to campus who've participated in Fighting Scots sports throughout the past five decades. A committee has been formed to plan events leading up to next summer's actual 50th anniversary, and its members will be introduced at the stadium 15 minutes prior to kickoff. "Since her founding days, Monmouth College has always found a seat at the table or in the classroom for women," said Director of Alumni Engagement Jen Armstrong. "We have a strong committee of alumnae who understand the benefits that sports play in a woman's life - from increased confidence to building physical, social and teambuilding skills. We're proud to celebrate our history and all the women who've competed in Fighting Scots athletics." Prior to the game, women returning to campus will have the opportunity to tour the College's Huff Athletic Center with Director of Athletic Roger Haynes and Monmouth student-athletes. They will also be able to mingle with Scots athletes and coaches at a 10 a.m. breakfast. Following the game, many will make their way to nearby Glennie Gymnasium, where the women's basketball team will play its home opener at 3 p.m. against Buena Vista University. It will be the first home game for new Scots head coach Megan Jones. Women athletes in attendance will be recognized. An all-alumni post-football game celebration will be held at 4 p.m. at the Monmouth Country Club, 1451 East Third Ave. Monmouth and Knox first met in an official football game in 1888. Including that contest, the schools have met 131 times, with Monmouth holding a 71-50-10 advantage. The Scots have won the last 21 meetings.