University News

Jesse White Tumbling Team to Perform at WIU Leatherneck Game Feb. 21

February 17, 2015

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MACOMB, IL -- The internationally-known Jesse White Tumbling Team will bring their talents and skills to Western Illinois University Saturday, Feb. 21.

The team will show off their acrobatic finesse during half-time of, and immediately following, the Leathernecks Men's basketball game against Denver in Western Hall. The game begins at 7 p.m. The tumblers' Western Illinois University performance is the result of a meeting last month between WIU President Jack Thomas and Secretary of State Jesse White.

"It is an honor to host Secretary of State Jesse White and his award-winning tumblers on our campus this Saturday," Thomas said. "I encourage everyone to come out to Western Hall to support our Leathernecks men's and women's basketball teams Feb. 21, and to watch the incredibly talented Jesse White Tumbling Team."

White founded the team in 1959 to provide a recreational, athletic, educational and cultural enrichment experience for the team members. The members are required to abide by White's strict rules, which include staying in school, maintaining a "C" average in academic coursework and staying away from gangs and drugs.

The Jesse White Tumbling Team often performs at NFL, NBA and major league baseball games, as well as business and other sporting events year-round. They have appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, The Tonight Show starring Jay Leno and Good Morning America, and they have appeared in the movies "Heaven is a Playground" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." The tumblers have performed during the 52nd and 53rd Presidential Inaugural Parades, in addition to the 2010 President Barack Obama Inauguration Parade. The Jesse White Tumbling Team makes over 1,500 appearances each year.

For tickets to Saturday's games, call (309) 298-1190.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing