By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Illinois State University’s Head Football Coach Brock Spack says his athletes are “very aggressive people,” so he’s sending a message that it’s not acceptable to take out their aggression on women.

Spack and ISU’s Men’s Basketball Coach Dan Muller were among about 120 people — mainly consisting of men — who gathered for a rally in Downtown Bloomington Monday to combat domestic violence.

Spack considers domestic violence a problem that’s running rampant in society.

“We’ve got the most high-profile male athletes in town and we obviously want them representing the program well, but more importantly themselves and their families the right way, and treating people right – treating all people with respect, but particularly young women,” Spack said.

Muller said he talks frequently with his players about domestic violence.

“The more you talk about it, the more awareness you can bring to it with young men and women,” said Muller.

“But you know, I’m in charge of the young men. The more they can understand not only the importance of it, but the impact you can have as a positive role model.”

Muller was joined at the rally by teammates Jerron Martin and Matt Hein.

“People look up to us, and when we’re out here supporting other people, it helps to know that they have somebody like a student athlete that supports this whole movement,” said Hein.

Mid Central Community Action organized Monday’s rally. Mid Central’s Chairman, Mark Kotte said it’s up to men to speak out against domestic violence.

The group said there have been five domestic violence deaths in McLean County since 2011.

October marked the 30th anniversary of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected].