The July 2010 Result of the LAIR Fund recipient is a unique one: Erin Supple, Pink Panther, represents the Spirit of Panther Athletics, which includes the Pink Panthers, the Cheer Team and the Marching Band, vital components of our athletics programs that provides valuable energy, enthusiasm and gameday atmosphere to the wins Panther student-athletes strive for everyday.
On a brisk Saturday afternoon there is nothing better than going to an EIU home football game. The excitement starts to build as hundreds of Panther fans create a sea of blue throughout the parking lot. The air is filled with smells of brats being grilled and chants of “E-I-U! E-I-U!” from crowds hoping to cheer their team to another great victory. As game time approaches, excitement fills the air as more people pour into the area to join the festivities. Then, off in the distance, we hear the Spirit of the Panthers approaching. This sound is not the pop of shoulder pads or the click-clack of the players' cleats. It is the sound of a bass drum beat, followed by a quick snare drum roll, punctuated by an enthusiastic, welcoming cheer. In the next few moments everyone's attention is focused on the Spirit of the Panthers and the magnificent aura they bring to the gameday experience. Every member smiling and full of school spirit, the atmosphere is now complete; the game can go on.
No one knows this feeling better than Erin Supple, a heart of the Spirit of the Panthers. Even after she had many games as a Pink Panther under her belt, she would still find herself getting butterflies in her stomach. “Some people may be surprised to discover that football game days begin very early for more people than just the football players and eager tailgaters. Around 9a.m., we began practice with the marching band at the Tarble Arts Center field, making sure formations were properly placed and coordinated. Following practice, we would all dash home, grab a quick lunch, shower, and prepare for the parade march through campus and onto O'Brien Field. A performance at the President's Tent preceded our pregame show, and then it was finally time for kickoff! The most exciting part of the game, for me, was after the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, when the band would play The Pink Panther Run as we made our way onto the field.”
During her time as a Pink Panther, Erin put on many great performances built upon hours of practice. These hours of practice did not go unnoticed. Per former Eastern Illinois Quarterback Bodie Reeder: “The Pink Panthers bring an element of excitement and energy to home games. The squad keeps the energy level up throughout the crowd before the game, during timeouts, and half time. The athletes competing appreciate the hard work that the ladies put in, and their contributions on game day.”
Even with all the time that Erin gave to the “Pinks” she still achieved many great accomplishments in her academic career, setting an example for what it means to be a model student. Since arriving on campus she has been a Dean's List student, earning a perfect 4.0 GPA during her career while majoring in Marketing. She was also a member of the Honors College and a Presidential Scholar.
Erin has put in a lot of time to the campus community as well. She was a peer leader for EIU's Freshman Foundations and was charged with the task of instructing incoming freshmen about EIU's expectations, policies, and resources. During this time, she made an indelible impact on the lives of 20 students and their transition into the collegiate environment.
Not many people would be able to achieve so much in the classroom while still participating in such a demanding extracurricular activity but Erin made it look easy. Between being a mediator for her teams' challenges to choreographing dances, Erin did it all.
Pink Panthers' Coach Lisa Dallas remarked: “As a new member and a captain, Erin easily connected with other members and provided her time in many ways to help with dances, community events, and campus activities. Her leadership helped the team to meet challenges and appreciate their successes. Her willingness to take charge, sense of humor, and attention to detail helped make our team cohesive and fun.”
Erin continued to set the model for years to come for the Pink Panthers. “I hope the impact that I left on the Pink Panthers was one of respectable and helpful leadership,” Erin shared when asked about her legacy.
The bar has been set high for future Pink Panthers to aim for but as the example set by Erin, nothing is out of reach.
Back at O'Brien Field the bleachers are clearing after another satisfying Panther victory. The players are bragging about stats and what they accomplished that day. But for Erin there is no stat sheet or instant replay of the performance, only the fact that she gave all her energy to ensure that you give all of yours for the Panthers.
