Skip Mathieson

Football

Big Blue Athletics Family Mourns Loss of Coach “Skip” Mathieson

For the second time this month, the Millikin University football program has lost one of its legendary figures with the passing of former head coach Lester "Skip" Mathieson on March 26, 2026 at the age of 90.
 
Skip MathiesonCoach Mathieson led the Big Blue program from 1966-76, posting a 54-45 career record. In 1973, Mathieson led Millikin to an 8-2 season and a win in the Boot Hill Bowl 51-7 over Bethany (Kansas). In 1974, the Big Blue went 8-2 claiming the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Championships. Millikin advanced to the Big Blue Bowl for the second straight year falling to Washburn 21-7. Mathieson also served as athletic director during his time at Millikin. Coach Mathieson was inducted into the Millikin University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990.
 
A memorial service celebrating Coach Mathieson's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 at First Presbyterian Church in Decatur. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Millikin University Athletic Department.
 
Learn more about the life and loves of Coach Mathieson. The family is being served by Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home.
 
 
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