Eric Taylor didn't play in the NFL and graduate from Washburn while Michael Wilhoite was still a star on the gridiron at Highland Park High School, but the former Ichabods do share a professional football experience: Both have played in NFL stadiums.

Taylor, an all-conference defensive lineman at a time when Washburn was beginning to turn the corner, attended Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas, on the outskirts of Dallas. In the football-crazed state of Texas, Taylor was not a stranger to big games in big venues.

"A lot of the high school stadiums we played in were comparable to the bigger stadiums you see in the MIAA," said Taylor, co-founder of the KC Ichabod Club. "I remember we played some games in the Cowboys' old stadium, Texas Stadium. Being a high school kid, not necessarily knowing if and where you were going to play college football, getting to play in stadium like that was special. I grew up a Dallas fan, so it didn't get any better than that."

Though Taylor didn't play in an NFL stadium during his career at Washburn (2000 to 2003), he will get to see the Ichabods play in Arrowhead Stadium at 2 p.m. Nov. 15 during the Fall Classic against Northwest Missouri State. Tickets for the game start at $25 for adults and are $10 for students. Tickets and passes for tailgating, parking or a bus ride from campus to the stadium can be purchased online or by calling 785-670-BODS.

Taylor takes pride in being a part of a football program that steadily improved before emerging as a contender in the MIAA.

"I never would have imagined that Washburn would be playing at Arrowhead Stadium," said Taylor, of Overland Park, Kansas. "This is a big deal for Washburn and all of our alumni. This is a great opportunity for us to watch our team in an NFL Stadium.

"This is also great for the guys on that team. It will be experience they'll never forget, and it will help the coaches recruit. I liken it to our basketball team playing KU. It's going to be a great atmosphere."

In addition to his accolades on the football field, Taylor shined in the class room, earning MIAA all-academic honors. He received bachelor of business administration degrees in finance and economics in 2003 and is a certified financial planner at UBS Financial Services.

In addition to setting a foundation for his career, Taylor's experience at Washburn has resulted in lasting connections, including in the football program.

"Washburn has had a tremendous impact on my career, even to the point that I've been able to help some of the guys who played or are playing in the NFL on the financial side, like Wilhoite and Joe Hastings," he said. "Mike and I were texting after his game against St. Louis (Monday night). What he's done with his career, to get to the point where he's at, is impressive. I enjoy working with players, keeping that connection."


Share in the Experience
The Ichabod Blitz social media contest could provide you with an opportunity to enjoy a similar experience as the Ichabods playing at Arrowhead on Nov. 15. Complete the four steps of the contest by Nov. 3 and you'll be entered in a drawing for a grand prize that includes a behind-the-scenes look at the game. In addition, the first 100 people who complete one part of the contest will receive a #BodsAtArrowhead scarf.
 
About the KC Ichabod Club
The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month at The Other Place in Overland Park, located at 7324 W. 80th St. The event is open to Washburn alumni and friends.
 
Questions and Answers
Q: How much has the football program changed since your playing days?
A: It's night and day. I was there when Coach Schurig was just starting to get it turned around. To see the progress they've made, the improvements in facilities and on the field – it gives you a sense of pride.
 
Q: How did you end up at Washburn?
A: Actually, I was committed to the Naval Academy at one point because they were going to let me wrestle and play football. I wanted to go somewhere that would allow me to piggy-back the sports I competed in – football, wrestling and lacrosse. But then B.D. Kennedy, the offensive line coach at Washburn, started to talk to me about being a "big fish a small pond," and my dad said the same thing. That and football was always the sport I loved the most. So I came here.
 
Q: What did you enjoy the most about taking classes at Washburn?
A: The professors. I was always comfortable talking with the professors after class. Even if I wasn't comfortable talking in class, I could always go to them outside of the classroom and have that one-on-one you don't get elsewhere.