McKendree Football secured a win against the Lincoln University Blue Tigers on Saturday 10/25 with a final score of 54-48. It was a rainy day for McKendree’s 197th Homecoming. The campus was busy with a craft fair, bouncy houses, and food trucks. Football fans braved the rainy first half and were well rewarded with the high-scoring win. The game also featured performances from the dance team and the Spirit of McKendree band.
Sportswriter Nevaeh Papp interviewed the football head coach, Jason Rejfek, on his coaching experience and the Bearcats 2025 season:
How long have you been coaching for McKendree University?
REJFEK: I have been coaching here for the last 7 seasons. I started as a Wide Receivers Coach in 2018, flipped over to the defensive backs in 2019 and then was the Defensive Coordinator in 2020 Spring season until last year when I was named the interim head coach and got the full time job in November.
Did you coach at a different school before this?
REJFEK: Yes, I coached at two schools before coming to McKendree, working as a defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator as the main roles at those institutions.
What was your first position at McKendree?
REJFEK: Wide Receivers Coach.
Favorite part of coaching?
REJFEK: Seeing the growth of these young men. As they start to build confidence as players, students and men knowing that the lessons your able to help them learn in all facets of life. When they graduate you can see how much they have changed through McKendree University and the Football program. Also love being able to say that I do not have to work for a living, everyday is a pleasure to come to work and do this job.
What are you most excited for with the upcoming season?
REJFEK: Being able to see all of the changes that we have put into our program in the offseason taking shape on the field. All of our returners have been through their hardest offseason and grown as men and football players at an extremely high level.”
Did you go to college? Did you play a sport in college?
REJFEK: I am a graduate of McKendree and played football here as well. It has been a true dream of mine to be in the position that I am in right now and an honor that I cannot thank our Athletic Director, Anthony Francis, and President Dobbins.
What is one strength you feel the team has this year?
REJFEK: I believe that we are extremely strong on our Offensive and Defensive lines. There has been a lot of effort put into improving both sides in terms of the weight room and scheme so that they can flourish on the field. Tying those into the skill that we have on the edges as a program we are excited to see what this season has to offer.
Is there a specific game you are looking forward to this season?
REJFEK: The next one is always the most important one.
When does practice season start and end for your players?
REJFEK: We started on August 2nd and we hope to finish in December with the national playoffs.
Why do you love McKendree?
REJFEK: McKendree is where I became who I am. When my parents and I came to campus on a visit we saw the vision of what the football program would be and how it fit what I needed to be successful in college as a student and an athlete. You are able to have a true college experience while competing at a high level in athletics. The best thing that I can say about any of our Bearcat Student Athletes is that at McKendree you can make yourself into who you want to be.
Do you work closely with any other teams or group on Campus?
REJFEK: We go and try to support as many of the teams that we can on campus as possible. There is nothing better than Bearcats supporting Bearcats.
Anything else you would like the students to know?
REJFEK: Take advantage of all the opportunities that McKendree has for you. If you believe in this place, you will become the best version of yourself that you can be.
