With a roster that averages 75 players and a century-long tradition, football is one of the oldest and largest sports at Knox College, dating back to the first game against Monmouth College in 1888.

Knox will begin play in the newly-renovated Knosher Bowl, with its artificial-turf surface, in 2008. The previous natural-grass Knox Bowl was renovated in the summer of 2008 and renamed the Knosher Bowl, in honor of long-time Knox coach and athletic director Harley Knosher. The banked, bowl-shaped sides of the Knosher Bowl bring the excitement of Prairie Fire football right to the spectators.

The Prairie Fire play a 10-game varsity schedule with five home games. Knox also plays two or three junior varsity games each year, giving all players an opportunity for intercollegiate competition.

The program has had 22 All-American selections since 1986, and head coach Andy Gibbons has had 127 players awarded all-conference honors since he took over the program in 1996.

The Prairie Fire implemented a spread-option offense this past season, which gives the team a new dimension. The 2006 season saw Kevin Megli break the all-time rushing record at Knox, as the senior finished his career with 3,154 yards.

The coaching staff emphasizes a one-on-one approach with its players, making sure that every member of the team gets personal attention throughout the year. The team approach, coupled with the experienced coaching staff gives football at Knox a family feel that is unique to Knox. In addition, the E. & L. Andrews Fitness Center gives Knox football players one of the best strength-training facilities in the conference.

The rivalry between Knox and Monmouth College dates back to 1888 and is the sixth-oldest—and arguably the most exciting—rivalry in the nation. The winner takes home the Bronze Turkey trophy, though the winner hasn't always kept it. The trophy has been stolen, hidden, and/or held for ransom several times in the history of the contest. Bronze Turkey bragging rights are on the line every year in a game that has been played in the rain, mud, snow, and even on national television.

Prairie Fire football players have gone on to a wide variety of successful careers. Robert Prout '73 (Anthropology) played in the NFL for the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys. Josh Fourdyce '00 (History) played professionally for the Quad City Steamwheelers for five seasons. Ben Van Vlerah '98 (Economics) is the vice president of commercial banking for BanCo Popular in Naperville, Illinois. Kenneth Kooper '90 (Computer Science) is the president of Catalyst Software Solutions in Chicago. Todd Monken '89 (Economics) is an assistant football coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jeffrey Radakovich '84 (Biology) is a physician of sports medicine at Washington State University.

For more information, submit the Recruit Me form or e-mail football@knox.edu