DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University Athletics will be hosting a Celebration of Life ceremony honoring the life of former Big Blue Football Coach Carl Poelker ’68, on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Poelker is Millikin's all-time winningest football coach, going 88-39-1 with two College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) championships while leading the Big Blue from 1982-95. Before becoming head coach, Poelker served for 14 years as an assistant coach working under Skip Mathieson and Merle Chapman. He was the defensive coordinator for nine years, during which the Big Blue defense ranked in the top two in the conference eight times. Poelker coached wrestling for five years and track and field for four years.
Coach Poelker was a 1968 graduate of Millikin, where he played on the defensive line and earned All-District honors. He was inducted into the Millikin Athletic Hall of Fame (Football, Basketball, and Track and Field) in 1981.
Coach Poelker’s influence extended far beyond wins and championships — he shaped lives, built character, and strengthened the Big Blue community. Millikin hopes you’ll join us in remembering and celebrating a truly remarkable life.
Saturday, May 2
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Join us for a Celebration of Life for Carl Poelker (Rathje Athletic Center, Perryman Family/Coach Carl Poelker Weight Room).
1:00 p.m. – The Big Blue Football team takes the field at Frank M. Lindsay Field.
1:30 p.m. — Honor Coach Poelker at a Remembrance Ceremony on Frank M. Lindsay Field.
1:45 p.m. – Immediately following the on-field celebration — Cheer on the Big Blue during Millikin University Football’s Blue-White Scrimmage on Frank M. Lindsay Field.
Please RSVP to Attend
Please let us know if you plan to join us for the Celebration of Life by RSVPing HERE.
To help ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for all guests, please review the following event details:
Arrival & Transportation
Guests are encouraged to park in the “tailgate lot” north of Griswold Center. Upon arrival, please inform staff if you need assistance. Golf cart transportation will be available to take guests to the Rathje Athletic Center and to the tent located in the south end zone. Transportation will begin at 10 a.m. and continue through the conclusion of the Blue-White Football Scrimmage (approximately 3 p.m.).
Share Your Memories
We are collecting photos, videos, and written reflections to celebrate Coach Carl Poelker's legacy. If you have a memory or message to share, please submit it HERE.
Save the Date
We also invite you to continue celebrating Coach Poelker’s legacy this summer at the Second Annual Carl Poelker Golf Outing. Current Millikin Head Football Coach Billy Riebock will host the event on July 24 at South Side Country Club in Decatur, honoring Coach Poelker and supporting the Big Blue football program he helped to build. We hope you will mark your calendar and plan to join us. Signup HERE.
