CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois athletics will host the first of its weekly football coaches luncheons this Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the Rotary Room in the Charleston Carnegie Library. The luncheon will begin at Noon with head football coach Bob Spoo and members of his staff set to speak. This week's player guest will be senior linebacker Gordy Kickels. Cost is $6.50 per person which includes a catered lunch by a local restaurant and a drink. This week's luncheon will be catered by Smoky's House BBQ in Charleston. Luncheons will take place every Wednesday through the football season with the final regular season luncheon set for Nov. 9.

The Panthers are coming off a season opening 33-26 win over in-state rival Illinois State in the 100th playing of the Mid-America Classic. EIU plays at Northwestern this Saturday with a 2:30 p.m. kick off on the Big Ten Network.

The Charleston Carnegie Library is located just off the square in Charleston. Free parking is available off the corner of 5th street and Van Buren. Driving to the library head north on fourth street and turn right on Van Buren. Parking lot entrance is located at the next block.