The Western Illinois University Department of Athletics mourns the loss of Leatherneck Football standout student-athlete Hunter Mason, as announced by his family Wednesday (June 1). Mason passed away early in the morning at his home in Nevada, Mo., where he was receiving care for his battle against Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
"The loss of Hunter is tragic and heartbreaking," said WIU Football Strength and Conditioning Coach, Jon Minnis. "For those who were fortunate enough to know Hunter, he was an incredible young man with an infectiously positive personality. We are extremely proud of Hunter and devastated by his passing."
Mason, a member of Leatherneck Football since 2018, played a major role in the Leatherneck's success both on and off the field. He was a three-time Missouri Valley Football Conference Academic Honor Roll selection, two-time MVFC All-Academic Honorable Mention, two-time MVFC Commissioner's Excellence List of Academic Excellence award winner, and All-MVFC Honorable Mention linebacker in 2021.
In his three years at Western Illinois University, Mason graduated as an Honors Scholar with High Academic Distinction, Summa Cum Laude, with an undergraduate degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, and was pursuing a Master's degree in Sport Management during the 2021-22 academic year.
Mason appeared in 29 contests as a Leatherneck, with 15 starts, 11 coming in the Fall 2021 season. For his career, Mason totaled 9.0 sacks, 56.0 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
For those wishing to honor Hunter's life and legacy as a Leatherneck, a memorial tribute will be placed in front of the North Gate to Hanson Field. A short vigil will be held there at 8 p.m. this evening (June 1). All are welcome to attend.
Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.
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