The student news site of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

The Daily Eastern News
EIU geography professor Cameron Craig presents to the student senate about the false report of an armed individual on campus and how faculty did not like the communication from the school on Monday at the student senate meeting in the Arcola-Tuscola room in the Martin Luther King Jr. student union on Wednesday.
EIU Student Senate discusses action after false armed individual report
EIU President Jay Gatrell helps cut the ribbon at the First Gen Hub opening in McAfee room 2611 on Friday.
Eastern opens First Gen Hub for first-generation students
An aerial drone shot above Eastern Illinois University's McAfee Gym, which is one of the buildings University Police cleared in search of an armed individual following an unidentified single unconfirmed and noncredible information caller to a nonemergency line Monday morning.
EIU police responds to report of armed individual, determines it was unfounded
From left to right department chair of Philosophy Grant Sterling, department chair of mathematics and computer science Andrew Mertz and department chair of communications and journalism Matt Gill talk at the Faculty Forum about the recent layoffs at the lecture hall in the Doudna Fine Arts Center on Wednesday.
Eastern faculty forum discusses department merger timeline, concerns, communication
Billy Hung, associate professor in Biological Sciences and president of the union, discusses aspects of the new union deal. Having the news of the recent layoffs, Dr. Hung was hoping for more members to show to the meeting but was still happy with the around 45 members that joined via in person or online in the Marin Luther King Jr. Union on Thursday.
Eastern Illinois University faculty union drafts contract proposals
Sophomore libero Ariadna Pereles gets low to receive a dig after a spike from Morehead State Eastern’s 3-1 win over Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Friday.
EIU volleyball takes sole possession of first place in OVC
EIU redshirt freshman linebacker Jordyn Stewart (34) and junior linebacker Ja'Wuan Nickson (5) work together to tackle Tennessee Tech redshirt sophomore running back Aidan Littles (35) during the home football game at O’Brien Field on Saturday Nov. 8th, 2025.
Panther football closes out OVC-Big South play against Lindenwood
EIU volleyball celebrates after a successful kill in the first set of Eastern’s 3-0 win against Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Thursday.
EIU sweeps Morehead State, moves into tie for OVC lead
EIU volleyball senior outside hitter Tori Mohesky tries to sail a shot over UT Martin redshirt senior middle blocker Kristin Philips at the net going for a block during Eastern’s 3-1 win over UT Martin at costume night at Gardella Court in McAfee Gym on Friday.
Panthers host Morehead State for decisive OVC series
EIU women’s basketball junior guard Clara Glad goes for a three-point shot during the first half of Eastern’s game against Indiana State at The Hulman Center on Tuesday.
Panthers’ defense struggles in 90-69 loss to Indiana State
Former EIU right-handed pitcher Will Klein was one of the last names added to the Los Angeles Dodgers World Series roster, but he pitched four innings and got the win in the team's 6-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in game three of the World Series. (File)
Dodgers pitcher, EIU alum Will Klein wins World Series game 3
Eastern Illinois baseball looks on as Little Rock celebrates a 2-1 win and Ohio Valley Conference championship game at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Illinois
Eastern’s offense struggles in OVC championship loss to Little Rock
Eastern Illinois baseball sophomore right-handed pitcher Bryce Riggs (4) walks towards the Ohio Valley Conference tournament board to put EIU's logo onto the championship spot after EIU's 3-1 win over Lindenwood in the elimination semifinal of the OVC tournament at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Illinois.
Eastern Illinois baseball faces Little Rock in the OVC championship
Eastern Illinois baseball sophomore right-handed pitcher Bryce Riggs swings a hammer down while surrounding by his cheering teammates after EIU's 3-1 win over Lindenwood in the elimination semifinal of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Illinois.
Riggs’ ‘spectacular’ performance sends Eastern Illinois to OVC championship round
Lindenwood baseball's dugout after Little Rock got the last out of Little Rock's 4-1 win in the winner's bracket semifinal of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament Thursday night at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Illinois
Eastern Illinois baseball to play Lindenwood in elimination semifinal
EIU women’s basketball junior guard Clara Glad goes for a three-point shot during the first half of Eastern’s game against Indiana State at The Hulman Center on Tuesday.
Panthers’ defense struggles in 90-69 loss to Indiana State
EIU men’s basketball senior guard Zion Fruster attempts a layup while being guarded by Nicholls senior guard Zee Hamoda during Eastern's 65-57 win over Nicholls at Groniger Arena on Friday.
Panthers of the Week: Zion Fruster, Catalina Rochaix
EIU men’s basketball senior guard Zion Fruster attempts a layup while being guarded by Nicholls senior guard Zee Hamoda during Eastern's 65-57 win over Nicholls at Groniger Arena on Friday.
Fruster leads Eastern past Nicholls for home opener win
EIU women’s basketball junior guard Ava Stoller shoots a three over Purdue fifth year guard Madison Layden-Zay in the first half of Eastern’s game against Purdue in Mackey Arena on Thursday.
Panthers lose first quarter momentum in loss to Purdue
Women’s basketball redshirt junior center Meioshe Mason shoots a layup while Drake freshman forward Quinn Vice tries to block her during Eastern’s 83-65 loss to Drake at the Kid’s Day Game in Groniger Arena on Monday.
Panthers lose kids day game, snap home winning streak
Bryce Parker
COLUMN: Top 5 EIU men’s basketball players of all time
Zaria Flippin
COLUMN: Top 10 EIU athletics moments in the 2024-2025 season
Patrick Schmitz
COLUMN: Bring back region-based conferences
Drew Farrell
COLUMN: You should start cycling
Drew Farrell
COLUMN: The NFL should adopt the fourth-and-20 play
Eastern Illinois University sophomore outside hitter Katie Kopshever spikes the ball against Lindenwood as Eastern won three games to one in the Gardella Family Court on Saturday.
Panthers of the Week: Katie Kopshever, Brenda Torres
EIU cross country junior Brenda Torres (right) gets held up by trainer Thomas Erdey (left) after collapsing at the finish line of the Ohio Valley Conference championship race as Torres finished second overall and the team placed fourth at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.
EIU men, women finish fourth at OVC championships
Eastern Illinois University cross country senior runner Michael Atkins leads the pack at the Walt Crawford Invitational. Atkins finished in fifth place as EIU won both the men’s and women’s races at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.
Cross-country senior prepares for his final OVC championship
Freshman midfielder Camylle Graves blocks a SIUE player from getting the ball on as Eastern won 2-0 on Sunday.
Panthers of the Week: Camylle Graves, Michael Atkins
Eastern Illinois University cross country senior Michael Atkins (left) talks to coach Riley McInerney (right) after the Walt Crawford Invitational. Atkins finished in fifth place as EIU won both the men’s and women’s races at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Sept. 5.
Charleston native comes back to coach cross-country
EIU redshirt freshman linebacker Jordyn Stewart (34) and junior linebacker Ja'Wuan Nickson (5) work together to tackle Tennessee Tech redshirt sophomore running back Aidan Littles (35) during the home football game at O’Brien Field on Saturday Nov. 8th, 2025.
Panther football closes out OVC-Big South play against Lindenwood
EIU redshirt freshman linebacker Jordyn Stewart (34) and junior linebacker Ja'Wuan Nickson (5) work together to tackle Tennessee Tech redshirt sophomore running back Aidan Littles (35) during the home football game at O’Brien Field on Saturday Nov. 8th, 2025.
Panthers lose fifth-straight game to No. 5 Tennessee Tech
EIU football head coach Chris Wilkerson yells at his defense to make a stop during Eastern’s overtime loss 27-20 to UT Martin at O’Brien Field on Saturday.
EIU football faces No. 7 Tennessee Tech on senior day
EIU football graduate student wide receiver Cooper Willman (left) celebrates with his teammates by doing a 67 gesture after scoring a touchdown during Eastern’s overtime loss 27-20 to UT Martin at O’Brien Field on Saturday.
Four takeaways from EIU football’s 27-20 loss to UTM
EIU football redshirt sophomore quarterback Cole LaCrue throws the ball downfield after he found an open receiver during Eastern’s overtime loss 27-20 to UT Martin at O’Brien Field on Saturday.
Missed field goal haunts Panthers in 27-20 overtime loss
Senior midfielder Casey Welage lays on the pitch after EIU's 1-0 loss to Liberty in the Ohio Valley Conference Quarterfinals at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.
EIU men’s soccer loses to Liberty in OVC tournament
Junior defender Cland Iwasaki (left) hugs senior forward Fabricio Roberti (right) after EIU men's soccer's 2-0 win over Southern Indiana at Lakeside Field on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025.
Senior forward talks position change, transition to US in Q&A
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Zach Renz (left) and EIU’s Sho Toda (right) fight for the ball near SIUE’s goal during EIU’s loss to SIUE 2-1 on Sunday,
EIU loses last regular season game, finishes sixth in OVC
EIU women's soccer junior forward Alex Tetteh battles for a ball against Southern Indiana senior defender Charli Grafton (left) and redshirt junior Emma Thurston during EIU's 3-0 loss to Southern Indiana at Lakeside Field.
Panthers lose OVC Championship quarterfinal to Southern Indiana
EIU junior forward Gui Gragnano (7) goes down on his knees and points to the sky after scoring a goal during the home soccer game against Western Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Gragnano broke the tie, bringing the score to 2-1.
Panthers of the Week: Gui Gragnano, Ariadna Pereles
Eastern Illinois University softball sophomore pitcher McKenzie Oslanzi preparing to deliver a pitch at Williams Field during Eastern’s first game against Southeast Missouri State as Eastern split the games as Eastern lost the first game 3-0 and won the second 8-5 on Friday.
Eastern Illinois softball loses four to NCAA transfer portal
Offensive Line sophomore, (77) Sandro Malicevic picks up wide receiver senior Cooper Willman after a touch down in the end zone, at the Eastern Illinois Panthers vs Indiana State Sycamore, at O'Brien Field. Saturday night. Panthers won 27-20.
Panthers of the Year: Cooper Willman, Macy McGlone, Dan and Kristi Paulson
Eastern Illinois softball team surround junior infielder Kendall Grover after she stole home to win the Ohio Valley Conference championship against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 1-0 on Saturday.
EIU softball wins second OVC championship in three years
Eastern Illinois softball sophomore outfielder Karson Davey slides into home plate past Southern Illinois University Edwardsville senior catcher Piper Montogomery in the 10th inning to win the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament semifinal against SIUE 5-4 on Friday.
EIU softball beats SIUE to advance to championship game    
Eastern Illinois softball sophomore catcher Sophia Olman celebrates after scoring in two runs in the bottom of the sixth during the Ohio Valley Conference tournament game against the University of Southern Indiana with Eastern winning 4-1 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex on Thursday.
EIU softball defeats USI, advances into OVC Tournament winner bracket
Eastern Illinois University men’s swim junior Nolan Wallace competes in the breaststroke against Valparaiso freshman Carson Parker. Wallace would win two events during its first meet of the year as the men's team lost 157.5-104.5 at Padovan pool on Friday.
EIU swim returns to Padovan Pool, loses to Valparaiso
EIU swim sophomore Abdelrahman Awad (middle), freshman Alexander Sadowski (left) and senior Zach Clark (right) look at their head coach for directions during swim practice at Padovan Pool on Monday.
EIU swim opens first of 7 home meets
Redshirt junior guard Obadiah Curtis drives to the basket against Graduate student forward Jack Mielke during the second half of Eastern’s lost to Southern Indiana 64-60 on Saturday
Panthers of the Week: Obadiah Curtis, Autumn Grinter
Members of the EIU women's basketball game rush to the student section to celebrate a 51-49 win over the University of Southern Indiana Groniger Arena Saturday. The Panthers won 51-49 in a late game layup and free throw with 13 seconds left allowing the Panthers to continue on a 10-0 win streak in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Panther Roundup: Women’s basketball undefeated in OVC, men’s swim wins almost every event
Senior Freestyle swimmer Conner Colston reacting to getting fourth place in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 22.26 during the Eastern Illinois men’s loss against Lewis University 152-110 on Friday evening.
EIU swim celebrates seniors against Lewis
Tennis ball by the nets at the Darling Courts Wednesday afternoon
Eastern cuts men’s, women’s tennis programs
Freshman Eastern Illinois tennis player Duarte Trocado readies to backhand the ball during Eastern’s Horizon League conference opener against Tennessee State University as Eastern lost 5-2 on Saturday.
Men’s tennis loses home conference opener against TSU
Freshman tennis player Fabien Planchard backhands the ball during the Eastern Illinois Fall Invitational Friday at the Darling Courts.
EIU tennis prepares for weekend games
Members of the EIU women's basketball game rush to the student section to celebrate a 51-49 win over the University of Southern Indiana Groniger Arena Saturday. The Panthers won 51-49 in a late game layup and free throw with 13 seconds left allowing the Panthers to continue on a 10-0 win streak in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Panther Roundup: Women’s basketball undefeated in OVC, men’s swim wins almost every event
Players of the Eastern Illinois University women's basketball team cheer on teammates during their game against the Indiana State Sycamores on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 in Groniger Arena.
Panther Sports Roundup: What you missed over the weekend
Sophomore libero Ariadna Pereles gets low to receive a dig after a spike from Morehead State Eastern’s 3-1 win over Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Friday.
EIU volleyball takes sole possession of first place in OVC
EIU volleyball celebrates after a successful kill in the first set of Eastern’s 3-0 win against Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Thursday.
EIU sweeps Morehead State, moves into tie for OVC lead
EIU volleyball senior outside hitter Tori Mohesky tries to sail a shot over UT Martin redshirt senior middle blocker Kristin Philips at the net going for a block during Eastern’s 3-1 win over UT Martin at costume night at Gardella Court in McAfee Gym on Friday.
Panthers host Morehead State for decisive OVC series
EIU men’s basketball senior guard Zion Fruster attempts a layup while being guarded by Nicholls senior guard Zee Hamoda during Eastern's 65-57 win over Nicholls at Groniger Arena on Friday.
Panthers of the Week: Zion Fruster, Catalina Rochaix
Eastern Illinois University sophomore outside hitter Katie Kopshever spikes the ball against Lindenwood as Eastern won three games to one in the Gardella Family Court on Saturday.
Panthers of the Week: Katie Kopshever, Brenda Torres
The two oboe players in Wind Symphony, Brielle Dukovac (right) and senior Ethan Schobernd (left) play during "A Time to Dance" by Julie Giroux, during the Wind Symphony and Concert Band performance on Friday.
Wind Symphony, Concert Band perform American mashup medley
Sophomore vocal performance major Katie Chumbley performes in a radio play adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' in the Black Box Theatre of the Doudna FIne Arts Center on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025.
Festivities in full swing in ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Doudna
EIU's Black Student Union 'Sneaker Ball'
EIU’s Black Student Union ‘Sneaker Ball’
What's the scariest thing you've encountered at EIU?
What’s the scariest thing you’ve encountered at EIU?
Trio Village musicians (left to right) pianist Cara Chowning, flutist Rebecca Johnson and oboist Elizabeth Sullivan perform a piece titled "Passepied Canon" at the recital hall of the Doudna Fine Arts Center on Tuesday.
Trio Village debuts new array of music at Doudna Fine Arts Center
Luke Brewer
COLUMN: ‘Frankenstein:’ monstrously great
Emerson Reynolds
COLUMN: Electric scooters have too many downsides to justify the ride
Griffin May
COLUMN: ‘Scream’: The genius of horror
Luke Brewer
COLUMN: ‘Tron: Legacy’ is the franchise’s greatest film 
Emerson Reynolds
COLUMN: I love Halloween
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 104: What Makes ‘Looney Tunes: Back In Action’ So Nostalgic?
Schmitty's Sportscast
Schmitty’s Sportscast Ep. 4: Brenda Torres
Sports Weekly Catch Up
The start of basketball season, volleyball dominance, football’s 5th straight loss | Weekly Catchup
In attempt to advertise Eastern's Early Bird Housing Contract, students were able to come to the Cyber Lounge Thursday afternoon to play video game controllers and potentially file for the contract.
The Gamer’s Pod Ep. 5: Just Dance
Two Dudes Talk Movies logo
Two Dudes Talk Movies Ep. 103: ‘Perfect Blue:’ Masterpiece or Mid?
Visitors make their way up the steps towards the Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation Visitor Center to begin their day at 2025 Harvest Frolic on Sept. 27.
THROUGH THE LENS: Harvest Frolic festival brings performers, artisans to Lincoln Log Cabin
Six Appeal begins its cover of “What’s Up” by 4 Non-Blondes with singer Mel Daneke taking the lead and spotlight at the ACA Festival in the Doudna Fine Arts Center.
THROUGH THE LENS: Six Appeal, Blue Fusion headline ACA Festival
From left, Cheryl Hawker gets assistance from instructor Bonnie Rideout at the basket weaving event on Saturday at the Lincoln Log Cabin. Hawker is a retired professor from Eastern Illinois University and taught in the mathematics department.
THROUGH THE LENS: Lincoln Log Cabin hosts basket weaving workshop
Eastern Illinois University junior art education major and pickleball club president Alexis Weger cuts the ribbon to officially open the new pickleball courts during the ribbon-cutting of new pickleball courts and renovated basketball courts next to Stevenson Hall on Thursday.
THROUGH THE LENS: New pickleball court opens by Stevenson
Kids look on as tractors drive past in the Charleston 4th of July Parade on Polk Ave in Charleston, IL on July 4.
THROUGH THE LENS: Fourth of July in Charleston
The student news site of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

The Daily Eastern News
The student news site of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

The Daily Eastern News
Patrick Schmitz

Patrick Schmitz, Photo Editor

Patrick Schmitz is a junior sports media relations major and can be reached at 581-2812 or at pfschmitz@eiu.edu. He previously served as assistant sports editor and assistant photo editor.

All content by Patrick Schmitz

Schmitty’s Sportscast Ep. 4: Brenda Torres

Patrick Schmitz, Photo Editor
November 13, 2025
EIU volleyball sophomore outside hitter Destiny Walker goes for a spike against Morehead State senior outside hitter M.E. Hardgan during Eastern’s 3-0 win against Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Thursday.

EIU volleyball celebrates after a successful kill in the first set of Eastern’s 3-0 win against Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Thursday.

[Photo] EIU sweeps Morehead State, moves into tie for OVC lead

November 13, 2025
EIU volleyball senior outside hitter Lilli Amettis (right) makes a face after she gets a kill while sophomore middle blocker Anaya Rawlinson (left) tries to celebrate with her during Eastern’s 3-0 win against Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Thursday.

EIU volleyball senior outside hitter Lilli Amettis (right) celebrates after she hit a kill with sophomore libero Ariadna Pereles (left) during Eastern’s 3-0 win against Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Thursday.

EIU volleyball celebrates after a successful kill in the first set of Eastern’s 3-0 win against Morehead State at the Gardella Family Court in McAfee gym on Thursday.

[Photo] EIU sweeps Morehead State, moves into tie for OVC lead

Aaron Coffin, Sports Reporter
November 13, 2025
EIU women’s basketball junior guard Clara Glad goes for a three-point shot during the first half of Eastern’s game against Indiana State at The Hulman Center on Tuesday.

Panthers’ defense struggles in 90-69 loss to Indiana State

Patrick Schmitz, Photo Editor
November 11, 2025
EIU women’s basketball redshirt junior forward Ella Lune (right) looks to dribble the ball against Indiana State senior guard Kayla Smith (center) as junior guard Ava Stoller (left) sets a screen during the first half of Eastern’s game against Indiana State at The Hulman Center on Tuesday.

EIU women’s basketball junior guard Ava Stoller (right) looks for an open person to pass to as Indiana State graduate student guard Da’Naria Washington (left) guards her during the first half of Eastern’s game against Indiana State at The Hulman Center on Tuesday.

EIU women’s basketball junior Ella Lune (left) and Sophomore guard Nyah Hardy (right) run down the court with Indiana State graduate student guard Da’Naria Washington (center) during the first half of Eastern’s game against Indiana State at The Hulman Center on Tuesday.

EIU women’s basketball team’s bench celebrates a made three during the first half of Eastern’s game against Indiana State at The Hulman Center on Tuesday.

EIU women’s basketball team’s bench celebrates a made three during the first half of Eastern’s game against Indiana State at The Hulman Center on Tuesday.

EIU women’s basketball head coach Marqus McGlothan yells at his team during the first half of Eastern’s game against Indiana State at The Hulman Center on Tuesday.

EIU women’s basketball junior guard Ava Stoller shoots a three over Purdue fifth year guard Madison Layden-Zay in the first half of Eastern’s game against Purdue in Mackey Arena on Thursday.

Panthers lose first quarter momentum in loss to Purdue

Patrick Schmitz, Photo Editor
November 6, 2025
EIU women’s basketball redshirt junior center Meioshe Mason goes up for a shot in the post over Purdue sophomore forward Lana McCarthy in the first half of Eastern’s game against Purdue in Mackey Arena on Thursday.

EIU women’s basketball redshirt junior forward Ella Lune jumps into the air to go for a layup in the first half of Eastern’s game against Purdue in Mackey Arena on Thursday.

33 EIU women’s basketball sophomore guard Nyah Hardy drives into the paint against Purdue fifth year guard Madison Layden-Zay in the first half of Eastern’s game against Purdue in Mackey Arena on Thursday.

EIU women’s basketball bench celebrates after a made three-pointer in the first half of Eastern’s game against Purdue in Mackey Arena on Thursday.

Purdue mascot Purdue Pete dances with fans and the Purdue band in the first half of Eastern’s game against Purdue in Mackey Arena on Thursday.

Purdue mascot Purdue Pete dances with fans and the Purdue band in the first half of Eastern’s game against Purdue in Mackey Arena on Thursday.

EIU women’s basketball sophomore guard Nyah Hardy drives to the basket against Purdue sophomore guard Nya Smith in the first half of Eastern’s game against Purdue in Mackey Arena on Thursday.

EIU women’s basketball junior guard Lalani Ellis drives to the basket against Purdue redshirt junior guard Tara Daye in the first half of Eastern’s game against Purdue in Mackey Arena on Thursday.

Women’s basketball redshirt junior center Meioshe Mason shoots a layup while Drake freshman forward Quinn Vice tries to block her during Eastern’s 83-65 loss to Drake at the Kid’s Day Game in Groniger Arena on Monday.

Panthers lose kids day game, snap home winning streak

Patrick Schmitz, Photo Editor
November 3, 2025
EIU football redshirt sophomore quarterback Cole LaCrue throws the ball downfield after he found an open receiver during Eastern’s overtime loss 27-20 to UT Martin at O’Brien Field on Saturday.

[Photo] Missed field goal haunts Panthers in 27-20 overtime loss

November 1, 2025
EIU football graduate student wide receiver Cooper Willman (left) celebrates with his teammates by doing a 67 gesture after scoring a touchdown during Eastern’s overtime loss 27-20 to UT Martin at O’Brien Field on Saturday.

[Photo] Four takeaways from EIU football's 27-20 loss to UTM

November 5, 2025
EIU football senior linebacker Tylan Foster dives at UT Martin redshirt senior quarterback Jase Bauer as he tries to stiff arm Foster during Eastern’s overtime loss 27-20 to UT Martin at O’Brien Field on Saturday.

EIU football head coach Chris Wilkerson yells at his defense to make a stop during Eastern’s overtime loss 27-20 to UT Martin at O’Brien Field on Saturday.

[Photo] EIU football faces No. 7 Tennessee Tech on senior day

Payton Liggins, Assistant Sports Editor
November 7, 2025
Redshirt junior center Meioshe Mason throws the ball around Illinois Wesleyan senior forward Martha Lipic at the Panther’s exhibition game at Groniger arena on Thursday.

EIU women’s basketball looking to skip rebuild year with transfers

Patrick Schmitz, Photo Editor
November 1, 2025
EIU cross country junior Brenda Torres (right) gets held up by trainer Thomas Erdey (left) after collapsing at the finish line of the Ohio Valley Conference championship race as Torres finished second overall and the team placed fourth at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.

EIU men, women finish fourth at OVC championships

Patrick Schmitz, Photo Editor
October 31, 2025
Southeast Missouri State junior Nova Ojutkangas celebrates as she finishes in first place while at least seven seconds ahead of anyone else during the Ohio Valley Conference championship race, at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.

EIU cross country senior Noah Schalliol (left) cries as he talks with head coach Riley McInerney (right) after his last race at home during the Ohio Valley Conference championship race, as Eastern Illinois placed fourth at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.

UT Martin senior Luke Johnson crosses the finish line first after overtaking another runner in the last 100 meters during the Ohio Valley Conference championship race at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.

EIU cross country senior Noah Schalliol (left) cries as he talks with head coach Riley McInerney (right) after his last race at home during the Ohio Valley Conference championship race, as Eastern Illinois placed fourth at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.

EIU cross country junior Brenda Torres (right) gets held up by trainer Thomas Erdey (left) after collapsing at the finish line of the Ohio Valley Conference championship race as Torres finished second overall and the team placed fourth at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.

EIU cross country senior Michael Atkins (blue) runs behind the first pack of runners during the Ohio Valley Conference championship race, as Eastern Illinois placed fourth at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.

EIU cross country junior Cale Smith runs with the top of the pack during the Ohio Valley Conference championship race, as Eastern Illinois placed fourth at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.

EIU cross country sophomore Sophie Krueger runs down the trail behind a big pack of runners during the Ohio Valley Conference championship race, as Eastern Illinois placed fourth at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.

EIU cross country junior Brenda Torres (left) runs right beside Tennessee Tech junior Naomy Lokiles (right) as they run around the lake during the Ohio Valley Conference championship race, as Eastern Illinois placed fourth at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.

[Photo] Panthers of the Week: Katie Kopshever, Brenda Torres

Gabe Newman, Sports Editor
November 4, 2025
Runners from all Ohio Valley Conference schools start the championship race as Eastern Illinois placed fourth at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail on Friday.

Schmitty’s Sportscast Ep. 2: Casey Welage

Patrick Schmitz, Photo Editor
October 30, 2025
Farmer Kyle Coffey gets back into his tractor after talking about how he works on his farm all day as he goes to work on his farm in Charleston on Friday.

[Photo] Illinois farmers caught in soybean trade war 

October 28, 2025
Farmer Kyle Coffey talks about how he works all day on his farm before he goes back into his tractor to continue working for the day at his farm in Charleston on Friday.

Kyle Coffey and his daughter, Annakate Coffey. in two tractors cross each other as they plow the fields on Kyle Coffey’s farm in Charleston on Friday.

Farmer Kyle Coffey gets back into his tractor after talking about how he works on his farm all day as he goes to work on his farm in Charleston on Friday.

[Photo] Illinois farmers caught in soybean trade war 

Aidan Cusack, Feature Reporter
October 28, 2025

Schmitty’s Sportscast Ep. 1: Ella Kratochvil

Patrick Schmitz, Photo Editor
October 23, 2025
EIU volleyball senior outside hitter Lilli Amettis raises her arms in celebration after hitting a kill during Eastern’s 3-1 win over Western Illinois at Gardella Family Court in McAfee Gym on Tuesday.

[Photo] EIU volleyball defends home court in absence of injured player

October 21, 2025
EIU volleyball senior outside hitter Lilli Amettis raises her arms in celebration after hitting a kill during Eastern’s 3-1 win over Western Illinois at Gardella Family Court in McAfee Gym on Tuesday.

[Photo] EIU volleyball defends home court in absence of injured player

Aaron Coffin, Sports Reporter
October 21, 2025
EIU volleyball head coach Ryan Millar claps and celebrates to his team after the panthers score a point during Eastern’s 3-1 win over Western Illinois at Gardella Family Court in McAfee Gym on Tuesday.

Senior outside hitter Tori Mohesky goes to spike the ball over Western Illinois blockers junior Hillary Estes (left) and graduate student Kiyah Franklin (right) during Eastern’s 3-1 win over Western Illinois at Gardella Family Court in McAfee Gym on Tuesday.

[Photo] EIU volleyball puts up 13 aces in 3-0 victory against UT Martin

Aaron Coffin, Sports Reporter
October 30, 2025
Photo illustration of all the awards on a table that the Daily Eastern News staff won while in Washington D.C. for the national CMA and ACP conference. The DEN won 15 awards while there.

[Photo] EDITORIAL: The Daily Eastern News wins 15 national awards

October 22, 2025
The old AMC movie theatre at 2509 Hurst Drive will be turning into a VIP Cinemas later this year. AMC closed the Mattoon location earlier this year.

[Photo] Mattoon movie theater aims to reopen by year’s end

October 21, 2025
Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Holly Farley starts to break down and cry while she tries to talk about the recent staff layoffs to the Faculty Senate in the Witters conference room in Booth Library on Tuesday.

UPI President Billy Hung starts to cry while talking about the recent staff layoffs to the Faculty Senate in the Witters conference room in Booth Library on Tuesday.

[Photo] Eastern eliminates 44 staff positions

Luke Brewer, News Editor
October 14, 2025
Graduate Student safety Tienne Fridge dives to tackle Gardner-Webb redshirt sophomore wide receiver Chris Lofton as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Aidan Archibald gets set up on the line before the snap as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Redshirt junior CJ Nelson tries to run downfield before getting stopped by Gardner-Webb redshirt junior linebacker Jecari Bryson as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Cole LaCrue tries to juke the defense as runs around the pocket as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

[Photo] Panthers focus on fast start, offensive improvement ahead of UT Martin

Cameron Thomas, Sports Reporter
October 31, 2025
Graduate student wide receiver DeAirious Smith dives after catching a ball before Gardner-Webb redshirt sophomore defensive back Nigel Lucas tackles him as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Cole LaCrue jumps in the air to deliver a pass before Gardner-Webb graduate defensive lineman Antonio O’Berry gets to LaCrue as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Redshirt senior defensive lineman Alton Jefferson runs after Gardner-Webb graduate student quarterback Nate Hampton who runs away and gets the ball out to a receiver as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Panther Marching Band drum major Brielle Dukovac conducts the band in the fight song at the end of the first half as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Head coach Chris Wilkerson looks at the referees after a call that Wilkerson was not happy with as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Redshirt senior defensive lineman Alton Jefferson dives for the tackle on Gardner-Webb graduate student quarterback Nate Hampton as his shoulder pad gets exposed as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

After his seizure on Oct. 5, 2024, student assistant coach Ryan Kilburg (middle) leaned on his faith and his teammates and fellow coaches to make a physical and mental recovery.

[Photo] EIU football coach recalls the day his life changed

October 17, 2025
Redshirt junior running back Charles Kellom tries to split the gap between the offensive linemen as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Cole LaCrue gets taken down by Gardner-Webb redshirt sophomore linebacker Cahari Haynes as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Cole LaCrue stops in his tracks as he tries to juke out the defense as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

After his seizure on Oct. 5, 2024, student assistant coach Ryan Kilburg (middle) leaned on his faith and his teammates and fellow coaches to make a physical and mental recovery.

[Photo] EIU football coach recalls the day his life changed

Payton Liggins, Assistant Sports Editor
October 17, 2025
Senior linebacker Tylan Foster yells in celebration after stopping the run for a loss of yards as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Connor Wolf gets the snap in his hands as steps back in the pocket to look for open receiver as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Pink Panther dancer Kally Wesselman dances and performs to the crowd during a media timeout as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Redshirt freshman Connor Wolf looks for an open man downfield as Gardner-Webb redshirt sophomore linebacker Cahari Haynes looks at wolf and waits for him to make a move as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Graduate student safety Jihad McCall drags down Gardner-Webb graduate student running back Quasean Holmes in the middle of the field as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Cole LaCrue goes to hand the football off to a referee after getting his shoulder pad exposed as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

[Photo] EIU football focuses on urgency, accountability ahead of SEMO

Payton Liggins, Assistant Sports Editor
October 17, 2025
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Cole LaCrue gets tackled and has his shoulder pad exposed by Gardner-Webb junior defensive back Josiah Harris as Eastern lost 21-10 at the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Current EIU President Jay Gatrell (left) laughs with former EIU President David Glassman at the center of the football field as they flipped the coin before the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Sigma Chi alum Phil Keasler grills burgers for the Sigma Chi tent at the tent city tailgate before the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Panther Marching Band baritone player Dylan Collier does a hand motion to the crowd watching them at the tent city tailgate before the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

The trombones bop left and right in the middle of the tent city tailgate before the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Sigma Pi member Cade Newsome throws a football around at the tent city tailgate before the homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb at O'Brien field on Saturday.

Eastern Illinois University football redshirt sophomore wide receiver CJ Nelson catches the ball in the endzone but is called out of bounds by the referee during Eastern’s 21-10 loss to Gardner-Webb on homecoming at O’Brien field on Saturday.

President of Students for Socialism Jason Farias plays a drum while a chant is sung by another member of the group while they march in the Eastern homecoming parade.

Eastern Illinois President Jay Gatrell throws candy to people as the parade first starts at the Eastern homecoming parade around Charleston on Saturday.

Democrat Kevin Ryan rides on top of a custom-made bus that has slogans and other words on it. Ryan is running for U.S. Senate.

The Coles County Lincoln fire truck drives through the parade. They are a volunteer organization that just opened a new station on Odd Fellow Road. They were at the Eastern homecoming parade around Charleston on Saturday.

Executive Director of Housing and Dining Mark Hudson sits in a jeep before the parade starts as he is the faculty lord for homecoming at the Eastern homecoming parade around Charleston on Saturday.

Veteran Bob Carpenter (center) sits on a hay bail and talks to his fellow veterans on their float before the parade starts.

Pink Panther dancer Kamryn Wright (right) and Norah Gray (left) ruffle their pom poms together as they walk in front of the Panther Marching Band at the Eastern homecoming parade around Charleston on Saturday.

Little Miss Bagelfest Joveigh Miller waves to the crowd as she stands up in a car through the sunroof.

Miss Coles County for 2025 Paige Schwindt waves as she sits in the back of a pickup truck as it passes people gathered for the parade.

Eastern Illinois President Jay Gatrell hands out candy to a child as he walks next to the Panther Marching Band.

Executive Director of Housing and Dining Mark Hudson dances to the crowd while riding in a Jeep as the faculty lord of homecoming at the Eastern homecoming parade around Charleston.

Miss Black EIU for 2025 Arnezia Powers waves to the crowd from the back of a pickup truck at the Eastern homecoming parade.

Billy the Panther stands in the back of a golf cart and poses as he leads the cheerleaders and the panther marching band through the parade.

Little Prince of Homecoming Maddox Wilson sits on top of the car and throws candy to people watching the parade.

Homecoming Queen Olivia Bennett waves at people calling her name as she sits on a float for the homecoming court, who were voted on by the students at Eastern, at the Eastern homecoming parade.

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