Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

CHARLESTON, Ill. – On Friday and Saturday Eastern Illinois University unveiled its renovation of the Lantz Arena lobby renaming the area the Baker/Warmoth Hall of Champions.  The lobby was named in honor of long-time Charleston residents and EIU supporters, Coach Merv Baker and Walt Warmoth.  Both men were early inductees into the EIU Athletic Hall of Fame and the project was funded by their family members along with other supporters in the community. 

“I would like to thank the members of the Baker and Warmoth families for allowing us to pay tribute to their fathers with this new Baker/Warmoth Hall of Champions,” said EIU director of athletics Barbara Burke.  “Both men were instrumental in the Charleston and EIU communities throughout their lives and this is a fitting honor for two gentlemen who gave so much to generations of EIU student-athletes.  I would like to thank all of the donors who helped fund this project and provide a new look to Lantz Arena.  I would also like to thank the members of EIU facilities and plant management who did the renovation work on the Baker/Warmoth Hall of Champions.”

The renovation included an update of the EIU Athletic Hall of Fame which includes touch screen displays with pictures, videos and biographical information on EIU Hall of Fame members.  The renovation also included a remodel of the ticket office and concession stands along with updated graphics and trophy cases.

Inner Circle donors for the project ($10,000 or more) included: Ken & Sandy Baker, Mike & Libby Murray, Bill & Barbara Warmoth, Mike & Linda Warmoth-Shelton, Jim & Karen Schnorf, Jack & Ann Payan, Tony & Debbie Sparks, Chuck Witter. Team member donors for the project (up to $10,000) included: Dr. & Mrs. Larry Ankenbrand, J. Leeds Bower, Robert Carlen, Max & Mary Cougill, Joe & Peg Davis, Larry & Martha Drake, Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Heath, Michael & Jacqueline Joines, Woody & Mary Alice Kramer, Bob & Carol Oetting, Jerry VanBellehem & Carol Lowry, Bill Vrettos, Richard Young, Jerry & Monica Zachary, The Ownership of Marty's.

Links to the Baker/Warmoth Hall of Champions can be found at http://eiu.touchpros.com or www.eiupanthers.com   The new Hall of Champions video screens will also feature all of Eastern Illinois All-Americans with that project due to be complete by early this summer.