February 2012

Dear Panther Fans:

I wanted to take this opportunity to say “thank you” for all that you do for Panther Athletics and Eastern Illinois University.  It has been a very busy and exciting year, with much more to come.  I certainly hope you will join us when you can and for those of you that distance keeps you from participating on a regular basis, I know your thoughts and best wishes are with us!

Please let me share with you the theme for two of our upcoming events the 2012 Athletic Director's GALA and the 2012 Spring Fling.  I was visiting with friends and they asked me to explain where the themes “Walk of Champions”, “Heart of a Champion” and “Night of Champions” originated from.  To be honest, I immediately realized I had not done a very good job of informing you how all these events are connected (at least that was our intention!).

At the beginning of each fall we have an all student-athlete, staff, coaches and administrators picnic, where we welcome back the returning athletes and introduce the new athletes as well as any new coaches.  We gather at Morton Park for food and fun and then parade down Lincoln and cross over to old main where we participate in EIU's First Night activities.  Also, everyone in attendance receives a “Walk of Champions” t-shirt.  We introduce the LAIR fund principles and emphasize the importance of honoring our “code”.  LAIR stands for Leadership, Achievement, Integrity and Responsibility.  We want to set the tone for the year and we believe we accomplish this with our opening event the “Walk of Champions”.

This year we decided to continue our “Walk” to include what we believe are the two most important public events for our supporters, the GALA and Spring Fling.  While we expect our athletes and staff to “Walk” the walk of a champion, we also realize that our supporters have really big hearts!  It does not hurt that the GALA lands on Valentine Day!  We expect to show you how big the hearts of individuals just like you are to our program at our “Heart of a Champion Gala” on February 14th.  Finally, on April 14th we celebrate the 2012 Spring Fling, our “Night of Champions”.  With the help of the Spring Fling committee, led by Mary Drake we have seen record results, we expect nothing less in 2012 and without question we will experience a “Night of Champions”.

Please take note that the 2012 Athletic Director's GALA will be the last one for a minimum of one year.  I don't want the event to get “old”.  We always want to present new and exciting opportunities for our fans and supporters.  Knowing this, if you have not sent in your reservations for the GALA please do so by calling Marsha Figgins at 217-581-2319. Don't miss this opportunity to see Dallas Cowboys Quarterback and EIU celebrity Tony Romo up close and personal!

Planning for the Spring Fling is well under way and we are anticipating another “sold out” event, you absolutely do not want to miss the fun.  Please visit the EIU Panther Club website at eiupantherclub.com to access all the pertinent information.

On another note, we are proud and excited to announce the dedication of the Baker/Warmoth Hall of Champions on Saturday February 4th.  The formal unveiling will take place between the men's and women's basketball games at approximately 5:30 p.m.  Please join us in the Lantz Lobby.  The transformation is amazing and I have all of my staff to thank for that!  They have worked diligently to renovate and update the “Hall of Champions”.  Please join us in thanking all the individuals who made this dream a reality.  BELIEVE!  Together we can make great things happen!

Thanks for your continued support !  GO PANTHERS!