​LEROY, Ill. (WCIA) — Thirty years after winning Leroy’s first state football title, the former Panthers reunited on their home field.The 1996 squad was honored at halftime of Leroy’s Saturday night game against Tremont, a 34-6 win for the Panthers. Led by head coach Jim Zeleznik, the 1996 team went a perfect 14-0, defeating Central A&M 16-14 to win the title.”It’s hard to believe it’s 30 years,” Bo Owens, a member of the ’96 squad, said. “Jim Zeleznik built the program, brought in a coaching staff of Gary Tipsord, Darren Hess, coach Duane Thoennes and Tom Morse. It’s just incredible. We were blessed with that coaching staff in this small town at that time. It’s just incredible. So grateful to be part of that team.”The 1996 squad still holds the record for most wins in a season. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.