Kathy Schniedwind is a true trailblazer in Illinois State Athletics. As the first female athletic trainer in ISU history, she spent more than three decades shaping the health, recovery, and performance of Redbird student‑athletes. From working alongside legendary coaches to mentoring future trainers, Kathy’s impact reaches far beyond the sidelines.

Her dedication, compassion, and professionalism helped define sports medicine at Illinois State—and her legacy was cemented with her induction into the Percy Family Hall of Fame.

In this episode, we sit down with Kathy to explore her journey, the athletes she’s supported, the challenges she overcame, and the lasting mark she left on generations of Redbirds.

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Pat Gregory has been a cornerstone of Illinois State Athletics Strength and condition in 1980’s. Coach Gregory’s unwavering dedication, steady leadership, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Whether it was in weight room, or running through Normal, Coach Gregory’s presence has always meant guidance, growth, and heart.

In this episode of BirdFans4Ever, we sit down with Pat to reflect on his journey, the athletes he’s impacted, and the Strength and condition legacy he’s built within the ISU Athletics. It’s a conversation filled with insight, gratitude, and funny Redbird stories.

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🎙️ Episode 85 of the Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast is now available!

We’re joined by Illinois State women’s basketball great Ellen McGrew. A two-time Laurie Mabry Award winner, All-Gateway Conference selection, and member of the historic 1989 Redbird team that remains the only ISU women’s team to win an NCAA Tournament game, Ellen shares stories from her outstanding career in Normal.

We discuss her path to Illinois State, her playing days under Jill Hutchison, and the lifelong impact of being a Redbird.

🔴🐦 Listen now!

#BirdFans4Ever #ISUWBB #BackTheBirds #RedbirdNation

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Tonight on Bird Fans 4 Ever, we’re talking Illinois State basketball and the changing landscape surrounding Redbird hoops with Brennan White from Illinois State University and Jason Higdon from Empower The Nest. We’ll discuss NIL, roster building, player retention, recruiting, and what the future looks like for Illinois State basketball as college athletics continues to evolve. From behind-the-scenes support for student-athletes to the challenges facing mid-major basketball programs in today’s environment, this is a conversation Redbird basketball fans won’t want to miss.

Please welcome Brennan White and Jason Higdon from Empower The Nest to Bird Fans 4 Ever!

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 NEW EPISODE ALERT – Birdfans4ever 
Episode 83 is LIVE and you don’t want to miss this one!
We sit down with QB Tommy Rittenhouse and WR Daniel Sobkowiscz — two of the key offensive playmakers who helped lead the Redbirds on their incredible run to the FCS Championship Game. 
From their journeys to Illinois State to breaking down the unforgettable 2025 season, these teammates share it all:
 How they found their way to ISU
 Behind-the-scenes stories from a championship-caliber season
 Their perspectives on the biggest games and clutch moments
 What it felt like to compete on the national stage
 A sneak peek at what’s next for both of them
This is a must-listen for any Redbird fan who wants the inside story straight from the guys who lived it.
 Tune in now and relive the run!
#Birdfans4ever #RedbirdFootball #FCS #CollegeFootball #Podcast #BehindTheScenes #RoadToTheChampionship

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🚨 NEW EPISODE 🚨
Hey BirdFans! 🔴⚪️
Episode 82 of Bird Fans 4 Ever is live and we’re joined by former Illinois State guard Elyce Knudsen!
We talk about:
🏀 Her basketball journey from Millikin to Illinois State
🔥 Her playing style and approach to the game
⭐ The first moment at ISU when she realized, “this is Division I basketball”
👀 How watching Paige Robinson helped influence her path to becoming a Redbird
A great conversation looking back at Elyce’s Redbird journey.
🎧 Listen now!
#BirdFans4Ever #BackTheBirds #ISURedbirds

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This episode highlights Brian Gant, one of the toughest and most reliable Redbird weak‑side linebackers of the 1980s. The fast, instinctive defenders who could flip momentum with a single play. Together, Gant’s career and the legacy of ISU’s weak‑side linebackers make for another great episode celebrating Redbird football history.

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 BirdFans4Ever Podcast #80 is here!

A special one for Redbird fans — Jeff Harris joins the show along with return guest Matt Taphorn from Jon’s playing era!

Jeff dives into how he found his way to ISU, the games that still stick with him, and what it was like when the three-point line arrived during their junior year and changed everything.

You can feel the warmth in this conversation — the stories, the laughs, the memories.

Don’t miss this one, Birds fans  #RollBirds #ISURedbirds #BirdFans4Ever

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 Episode 79 is LIVE!

Birdfans4ever Podcast welcomes this week’s guest Jeff Bidwell — Missouri Valley aficionado, host of the brand new podcast Morning in the Valley, and the voice of Murray State Men’s Basketball! In this episode, we dive deep into the Missouri Valley Conference preseason predictions for men’s basketball. Jeff gives us an outsider’s perspective on Illinois State University’s chances this year — why they could win the league… and why they might not.  Jeff also provides a sneak preview of Murray State, from a brand-new coaching staff to a completely retooled roster, and which players you should keep an eye on as the Racers hit the court this season.  After you watch this Episdoe, make sure to check out Jeff’s show Morning in the Valley on YouTube here:

https://youtube.com/@morninginthevalley?si=vrHpuRwaIkjBCbpP

 Listen now to Episode 79! #Birdfans4ever #MVCBasketball #IllinoisState #MurrayState #MorningInTheValley #CollegeBasketballPodcast

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 BirdFans4Ever Episode 78  We sit down with Chase Walker to talk about his recruiting journey and how he made his way to ISU! Chase shares how he developed his unselfish play, learned to anticipate offenses, and how the coaching staff is helping him grow into his role as a Redbird. We also dive into memorable matchups — including playing against one of his best friends vs. Ohio, plus standout games vs. UIC and Incarnate Word — and relive winning the CBI Championship last year! #BirdFans4Ever #RedbirdHoops #IllinoisState #RollBirds

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