BOB SPOO LEGACY CAMPAIGN WEBSITE

CHARLESTON, Ill. – For 25 years Eastern Illinois head football coach Bob Spoo has spent countless hours, serving Eastern Illinois University and its football program with class, dignity and distinction. In November of 2010, Coach Spoo announced his retirement effective at the end of the 2011 season, his 25th and final season at the helm.

In honor of Coach Spoo's contributions, Eastern Illinois Athletics has announced The Coach Spoo Legacy Campaign designed to raise funds for a lasting legacy to Bob Spoo.  More information on how you can help create this lasting legacy is available online at www.eiupantherclub.com or by calling 217-581-2310.

The Coach Spoo Legacy Campaign will raise funds towards the naming and renovation of the “Bob Spoo Center.” The resources will assist in updating and expanding the strength and conditioning and sports medicine facilities currently located at O'Brien Field.

“This campaign is designed to honor the man who gave so much to his wife, daughter, players, coaching colleagues, athletic staff, the EIU community and the game of football,” said EIU athletic director Barbara Burke.  “One word has always defined Coach Spoo during his 50 years of coaching and 25 years representing Eastern Illinois and that word is CLASS.”

This renovation and expansion will bring an additional level of professionalism to O'Brien Field while adding much needed support to the football program.  In addition the updated facility will service more than 450 student athletes, therefore the entire EIU athletic population will benefit from this campaign!

A legacy plaque will display the gifts in the lobby of the renovated “Bob Spoo Center,” and everyone who participates will receive a limited edition DVD of Coach Spoo's EIU career at the conclusion of the campaign.  At this time EIU is accepting support for the “Bob Spoo Center” with online donation opportunities available at www.eiupantherclub.com or by calling 217-581-2310.

“EIU Athletics has been working on the silent phase of this campaign for the past several months and we are humbled to announce it at this time,” Burke added.  “We hope that this campaign can help to honor this man who is proud to call himself a Panther.  He is the consummate ambassador for the Eastern Illinois football team, student-athletes, coaches and community.”

Eastern Illinois will celebrate the Legacy of Coach Bob Spoo at his final regular season home game of the 2011 season on Nov. 5 against Tennessee State.  That weekend will serve as a football reunion weekend as the Panthers pay tribute to Coach Spoo and his tenure on the EIU sidelines.