2024.01.10

Complete the year-in-review crossword puzzle for a prize. Page 5

TRAVEL GAME MONEY

Eastern earns $715,000 in 2023 fall semester from guarantee games. Page 2

Illinois sees more than 300 new laws in 2024

By Cam’ron Hardy Reporter | @DEN_News

Since New Year’s Day, more than 300 laws have taken effect in Illinois.

The minimum wage was increased from $13 per hour to $14.00 per hour, $8.40 for tipped workers. This impacts student workers as well.

The U.S. Supreme Court added bans and provisions to dozens of rifles and handguns including .50-caliber guns, attachments and rapid-firing devices, according to Spectrum News.

(See Laws PG 3)

Eastern basketball starts 2-1 in OVC

By Aidan Cusack Reporter | @DEN_News

For the past three weeks, many students and faculty retreated to their humble abodes for winter break. During this time of relaxation, or maybe exasperation, the Eastern sporting events tend to slip students’ minds, aside from the most die-hard fans. Many may not have noticed that both the men’s and women’s basketball teams stayed back and played five games each over break.

Both teams finished out

their non-conference schedules during the beginning of the break, playing two games each.

The women’s team fell short to both Northern Illinois University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in double-digit losses, ending their non-conference schedule with a 3-10 record.

The men’s team beat Blackburn College and lost to Iowa State University by 32 to finish their non-conference schedule with a 6-7 record.

(See Recap PG 6)

BY SIA DEYKOONTZ | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Chandana Pamba (left), a computer technology major, (left,) working the South Quad dining rush Monday night.

(fax)

News Staff

Editor-in-Chief

Rob Le Cates DENeic@gmail.com

News Editor Cam’ron Hardy dennewsdesk@ gmail.com

Assistant News Editor

Audra Gullquist dennewsdesk@ gmail.com

Photo Editor Sia Deykoontz denphotosdesk@ gmail.com

Assistant Photo

Editor Emmie German denphotosdesk@ gmail.com

Design Editor Harper Hancock hahancock2@eiu. edu

Sports Editor Zaria Flippin densportsdesk@ gmail.com

Assistant Sports Editor Luther Yoder densportsdesk@ gmail.com

Opinions Editor Ellen Dooley denop.eds@gmail. com

Copy Chief Alli Hausman athausman@eiu.edu

Faculty Advisers

Editorial Adviser Tim Drachlis

Photo Adviser Greg Cooper

About

Publisher Joe Gisondi

Business Manager Betsy Jewell

The Daily Eastern News is produced by the students of Eastern Illinois University. It is published weekly on Wednesday, in Virden, Ill., during fall and spring semesters and online during the summer term except during university vacations or examinations. One copy per week is free to students and faculty. Additional copies can be obtained for 50 cents each in the Student Publications Office in Buzzard Hall.

Advertising

To place an advertisement or classified ad in The Daily Eastern News, call the ads office at 581-2812 or fax 581-2923. Visit our online advertisements at dailyeasternnews.com/classifieds.

Comments / Story Tips

Contact any of the above staff members if you believe your information is relevant.

Corrections

The Daily Eastern News is committed to accuracy in its coverage of the news. Any factual error the staff finds or is made aware of by its readers will be corrected as promptly as possible. Please report any factual error you find to Editor-in-Chief Rob Le Cates at 581-2812.

Employment

If you would like to

Winter break recap

By Audra Gullquist Assistant News Editor | @DEN_News

During the winter break, an Eastern student and Charleston city councilman died, a new Vice President for University Advancement was elected and a new grant was also formed to help students with emergency support.

James Robert “JR” Desco, a graduate student at Eastern, died during the break.

Desco was a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity at Eastern and a firefighter trainee at the Western Springs Fire Department.

The 24-year-old resided in Burr Ridge, but was formerly from Brookfield. He died Dec. 8 and his memorial visitation was held Dec. 19 in Brookfield.

Charleston city councilman, Matthew Hutti died Dec. 30 in his home in Charleston. 44-year-old Hutti graduated from Eastern in 2007 with a Masters of Science in sports management.

Anna

Eastern’s President Jay Gatrell recalled his friendship with Hutti by saying, “He was an amazing community member, alum and supporter of EIU. Matt was one of the first people I met when I moved to town in 2017—his everyday sense of joy and love for EIU and Charleston were something very special.”

Mindy Spencer was elected as the Vice President for University Advancement.

Feb. 5.

According to Eastern’s website, Spencer stated, “I’m excited about the opportunities we will create and the new heights we can achieve. The support, pride and enthusiasm I’ve seen from everyone in and around the EIU community is amazing, and I look forward to everything we can accomplish together.”

Attention postmaster: Send address changes to: The Daily Eastern News 1802 Buzzard Hall Eastern Illinois University

cellor for Student Affairs and as Senior Director and Chief Advancement Officer at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Eastern’s website quoted Gatrell stating that, “I am excited that Mindy will be EIU’s next Vice President for University Advancement as she brings a mission and student-focused perspective to the important work of development.” He then went on to state that, “Indeed, she brings an extraordinary record of building new teams and successfully launching new development and alumni initiatives in her prior roles. For that reason, I—as well as the entire leadership team— look forward to working with her to advance philanthropy and alumni outreach at EIU for years to come.”

Eastern has also begun a national search for the next provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The university anticipates bringing four candidates to campus in late January or early February. A new grant program to provide emergency student support has been introduced by Eastern. The program is led by Suzie Park. Gatrell will also be hosting community office hours at the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Food Court on Feb. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., March 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and April 25 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Audra Gullquist can be reached at 581-2812 or at agullquist@eiu.edu. The

She will officially begin at Eastern on

Before joining Eastern’s team, Spencer served in the Office of the Vice Chan-

FRONT PAGE COVER BY ROBERT LE CATES

VIGHNESWARA MANDA | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Sipes, a junior biological sciences major, walks through the snow storm in the midst of a snowball fight happening in the library quad.

work for

Daily Eastern News as a news or sports reporter, photographer, columnist, cartoonist, copy editor, designer or videographer, please visit at the newsroom at 1811 Buzzard Hall.

Students set resolutions

Stories and Photos by Cam’ron Hardy

Ella Yocum, a sophomore kinesiology major, said that her goal was to be a better person.

“What that means to me is making sure I am taking other people’s feelings into account. It’s making sure I see different perspectives of people and making sure that I am doing things for others more, so I’m hoping to like volunteer more and stuff like that,” Yocum said.

Yocum dealt with a rough breakup last summer and realized some things about herself.

After the breakup, she recognized that she wanted to become a better version of herself, and in doing so, she wanted to give back to others.

Yocum said she wanted to look internally at herself after the breakup instead of blaming it

Raymond Cummins, a senior English major, said his new year’s resolution was to boost his GPA back up.

Last semester, Cummins said he dealt with a lot of health issues within his family, which took his focus away from school. Towards the end of the semester, his GPA decreased, he said.

In order to achieve his goal, Cummins said he planned to spend more time “hitting the books” and “actually focusing on my studies.”

He also intends to be more organized.

“That’s probably my biggest thing, I’m going to try and schedule out my day a little bit better,” Cummins said.

Laws continued from PG 1 >>

For those who purchased such guns were required to register them with Illi nois State Police by Jan. 1.

License-plate reading technology will not be allowed to track people traveling to Illinois for an abortion.

Illinois is the first state to penalize libraries that ban books.

Illinois public libraries that ban or restrict books will be in eligible for state funding.

According to AP, the new law was created due to the U.S. banning books about LGBTQ+ or people of color.

Workers will start to accu mulate paid time off through a new law called Paid Leave for All Workers Act.

This law allows workers to earn up to 40 hours of paid time off in a calendar year period. Workers will acquire one hour of leave for every 40 hours worked.

Police are not able to pull over motorists for having the objects hang from rearview mirrors.

“The law was approved after Daunte Wright was pulled over in Minnesota in 2021 for having a dangling air freshener,” according to Spectrum.

Video meetings, streaming or using social media websites are prohibited while driving. There are exceptions to this law for hands-free or voice-activated device or an application requiring no more than a button to active

For every 40 hours worked, workers will earn one hour of paid leave. Workers are only able to have 40 total hours of paid leave. According to The Associated Press, Illinois is one of three states to approve the law with Maine and Nevada adopting the law as well. Workers are not required to explain the reason for their absence, according to AP.

Seasonal workers are exempt for the law, as well as federal employees or college students who work “non-full-time, temporary jobs for their university,” according to AP. According to AP, “Legislation approved by both houses of the General Assembly include requiring Illinois insurers to cover abortion-inducing drugs, penalizing crisis pregnancy centers if they distribute inaccurate information and requiring colleges to offer reduced-price emergency contra-

Stephen Torres, junior, music major said he wanted to be more patient in the new year. He said he wanted to “take life as it comes.” He also said that he did not want to stress so much on things going on in his life.

Torres’ method for achieving this would be “to take a deep breath.” School can be overwhelming at times and being able to step back and take a deep breath could ease tension.

Breanna Heisner, a junior elementary education major, said she wanted to read more and stop “doomscrolling.”

Heisner described doomscrolling as nonstop scrolling on social media apps. Instead of constant scrolling, she said that when she sees something interesting on the social media apps, she wants to research it and be more educated.

Heisner said she wanted to read more educational forms of media and go out of her way to know more about things going on in the world.

Heisner used the example of how there has been a lot going on in Palestine, and instead of just scrolling past it on social media, she wanted to try and do more research and become more informed.

ception on campus.”

Businesses have the option to install restrooms that can be used by any gender at the same time. According to Spectrum, “urinals may not be included and stalls must have floor-to-ceiling, locking dividers.”

Teenagers are now able to pre-register to vote at 16-years-old, but must obtain a driver’s license or state identification card.

Vaping or smoking electronic cigarette’s/ cigars are prohibited.

The prohibited electronic smoking devices were added to the 2008 Smoke Free Illinois Act, which banned regular tobacco products’ indoor use, according to Spectrum.

Another law connecting this matter prohibits electronic cigarettes in public places and within 15 feet of entrances.

Licensed health care professionals are allowed licenses to make certain disability determinations according to illinoissenatedemocrats.com.

According to axios.com, utility providers are no longer allowed to terminate service for nonpayment of bills when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees.

According to nbcchicago.com, “Students in grades nine-through-12 shall be educated on allergen safety, including ways of recognizing symptoms and signs of an allergic

reaction, and steps to take to prevent exposure to allergens, and how to safely administer epinephrine.”

According to illinois.gov, the Child Extended Bereavement Leave Act (CEBLA) was established to provide job-protected, unpaid leave for parents who lost their child through suicide or homicide.

According to Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan, those who experience loss of a loved one, especially to the hands of violence, should be protected when they are most vulnerable.

Length of Leave under CEBLA

• For employers of 50-249 employees: 6 weeks.

• For employers of 250+ employees: 12 weeks.

• Employers of fewer than 50 employees are not covered.

According to Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, “The loss of a loved one due to violence is a life-changing trauma. We have a responsibility to lead with empathy and compassion in the wake of such heartache.”

Cam’ron Hardy can be reached at 581-2812 or at dennewsdesk@gmail. com.

EDITORIAL

New Year’s resolutions

To start off the New Year, people often set New Year’s resolutions. Some of our new and returning staff will introduce themselves and share their New Year’s resolutions with readers.

The Editorial Board can be reached at 581-2812 or deneic@gmail.com

Hello again! My name is Rob Le Cates and I’m a junior journalism major and the editor-in-chief of the DEN. My New Year’s resolutions are to go to all of my 8 a.m. classes and to take more pictures. I have never had a class earlier than 9:00, but this semester I have four 8 a.m. classes. I want to pursue the photojournalism field after college and want to improve my skills.

Hey! I am Zaria Flippin, and I am a junior majoring in sports media relations and minoring in social media engagement. I am the Head Sports Editor for the Daily Eastern News, and I am also the Editor in Chief of The Warbler magazine here at Eastern. My New Years resolution is to live a healthier life physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and spiritual - ly.

Hello, my name is Sia Dey. I’m currently Photo Editor at The Den, and I also DJ with WEIU. I’m majoring in journalism and have a strong passion for sports photography in particular. My New Year’s resolution is to work on successfully balancing my workload so that I have a little bit more time to enjoy the little things.

I’m Alli Hausman, and I am the Copy Chief for the Daily Eastern News. I’m a sophomore studying journalism here at Eastern, and I am excited to be joining the Den staff this semester! My New Year’s resolution is to make more time for myself this year. Between work and classes, I tend to be very busy. This semester I’d like to find more time to relax and watch the birds.

My name is Cam’ron Hardy, and I am the News Editor for the Daily Eastern News. I have completed my first year as News Editor and hope to do a better job than I did last year. My New Year’s resolution is to be happier. With this job comes a lot of responsibility and work, so trying to maintain happiness will be something I will be working towards this year.

Hello! My name is Ellen Dooley and I am the Opinions Editor for the Daily Eastern News! This is my fourth semester as Opinions Editor. My New Year’s resolution is to graduate. I will be graduating early in December, so I am excited to finally finish off my degree and start teaching. Also, I am deeming this spring semester as buff girl winter. Come join me in the Student Recreation Center!

My name is Audra and I am the Assistant News Editor. New Year’s resolutions have never really been my thing. I am more of a “go with the flow” type of person. I dislike the pressure of having a goal daunting over me all year. In 2024, I just hope to make memories and share moments of joy with my loved ones. I aim to continue learning and growing in all aspects of life. As I write for The News , I hope to see improvements in my writing while connecting with others in the field.

My name is Harper Hancock and I am the Design Editor at the Daily Eastern News. For 2024, my New Year’s resolution is to explore new hobbies in my free time. I have always enjoyed being creative and trying new things; however, with school, I am spending less time enjoying myself and more time stressing. I hope this will create a much-needed balance between school life and actual life.

Rob Le Cates

Ellen Dooley

Alli Hausman

Cam’ron Hardy Harper Hancock Zaria Flippin

Audra Gullquist Sia Deykoonz

BY ELLEN DOOLEY

2023 recap puzzle

The first person who completes the puzzle will win a prize. Submit all entries to the newsroom in Buzzard Hall room 1811. All answers are available on www.dailyeasternnews.com and Eastern’s websites. Answers will be posted later in the week.

Down:

1. This athlete has earned multiple honors from the OVC for two sports he runs in.

3. This volleyball player heped secure the team’s victory with her digs and defensive abilities.

5. Starting in the fall, students gained access to the ________ creative suite.

7. This is the university’s secretary who has been with Eastern’s presidents for more than 22 years.

8. This person was the fall’s homecoming queen.

9. This person took over as Eastern’s university president.

10. This is the newest, and cutest, addition to the University Police Department.

17. This campus union strke lasted for 6 days in the spring.

18. This women’s team won their conference against Southern Illinois University.

19. This person was the fall’s homecoming king.

Across

2. _________ _________ had difficultyt meeting quorum last semester.

4. This freshman footbll player rushed for more yards than the opposing team’s entire offense.

6. These two teams have earned several back-to-back conference titles for several years in a row.

11. Nidhi Patel was elected the ________ ________ ________ in the fall.

12. This men’s team won their conference in a close game at the back end of the season.

13. This team’s season was suspended last fall due to hazing.

14. This acronym stands for the gallons of personal alcoholic drinks people carried around at Unofficial last March.

15. This team won their OVC season and made their first appearance in the NCAA since 2001.

16. UPI’s lead negotiator.

20. This is the new name for the consolidated dining halls on campus.

21. This is the name of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration that happens each year in Charleston.

How much EIU makes from guarantee games

By Luther Yoder Assistant Sports Editor | @DEN_News

Eastern’s Athletics Department made $715,000 in the fall semester of 2023 from football and basketball games.

The football team received $350,000 for playing Bowling Green State University.

The basketball team received a combined amount of $365,000 for playing the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Kansas, Iowa State University and Loyola University Chicago.

These games are commonly called guarantee games. They are called this because the team is guaranteed to be paid whether they win or lose.

A guarantee game is played between a bigger school and a smaller school. The bigger school pays the smaller school to come to them.

For the bigger school, guarantee games are played to get a home game on the schedule and for a high chance of winning.

The smaller, traveling school plays guarantee games to make money for its athletics department.

The Eastern football team will also make $2.01 million over the next three years from playing Illinois, Northwestern University, the University of Alabama and the University of Minnesota.

The money that Eastern’s athletics receives from these guarantee games will not be only for the teams that are playing the games.

This money will go into the general athletic department revenue line that Eastern uses to offset expenses, Athletic Director Tom Michael said.

Football and men’s and women’s basketball are the sports that receive the most compensation for playing a bigger opponent.

Football and men’s basketball are the only sports at Eastern that receive more than the expenses used to play the game, including their travel expenses.

This season, the Eastern women’s basketball team has made a combined amount of $67,000 from playing Indi-

Recap continued from PG 1 >>

For the past three weeks, many students and faculty retreated to their humble abodes for winter break.

During this time of relaxation, or maybe exasperation, the sporting events of Eastern tend to slip students’ minds, aside from the most die-hard fans.

Many may not have noticed that both the men’s and women’s basketball teams stayed back and played five games each over break.

Both teams finished out their non-conference schedules during the beginning of the break, playing two games each.

The women’s team fell short to both

ana University, the University of New Mexico and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Most of the money that the team makes goes into paying for their travel expenses to get to the game.

“So, we’re not necessarily making money,” Michael said. “We’ll make a little bit, but we’re not spending money.”

Next season, the Panthers will play Northwestern and Illinois. This will

Northern Illinois University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in double-digit losses. This ended their non-conference schedule with a 3-10 record.

The men’s team beat Blackburn College and lost to Iowa State University by 32 to finish their non-conference schedule with a 6-7 record.

Panther basketball had a strong start to conference play.

Both men’s and women’s basketball started 2-1.

The women’s team beat Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 80-74 on Dec. 29, beat University of Tennessee-Martin 72-70 on Thursday and lost to University of Arkansas-Little Rock

be the first time they play two Power Five teams in the same year. The Panthers will receive $450,000 from Northwestern and $500,000 from Illinois.

The Panthers are playing this extra guarantee game next season, Michael said, to pay for the new turf that was installed at O’Brien Field.

According to Michael, the turf was in horrible shape, to the point where it was likely unsafe to play on.

49-53 on Saturday.

At UT-Martin, junior forward Macy McGlone hit a putback with three seconds left on the clock to put the Panthers up 72-70, leading to UT-Martin’s only Ohio Valley Conference loss.

During the game at Little Rock, McGlone recorded her 10th double-double after 15 games.

The men’s team lost to SIUE 58-67 on Dec. 29, beat UT-Martin 79-72 on Thursday and beat Little Rock 90-88 in a game that came down to the wire on Saturday.

At Little Rock, senior guard Jordan ‘Tiger’ Booker led the Panthers in a comeback win, finishing with a career high of 31 points.

“We had to do something to get that [turf] replaced, and we have these two games next year,” Michael said. “That’s when we said ‘Hey, if we play that second [guarantee] game can those expenses then go to covering the turf?’ and the university said ‘Yes, that’s a way that we can help offset those expenses.’”

Luther Yoder can be reached at 5812812 or at lyoder@eiu.edu.

Eastern was down by double-digit points twice in the Little Rock game yet mounted a second-half comeback to get the win in a conference game.

The winter break games put the men at 8-8 on the season and 2-1 in conference play, placing fourth in the OVC throughout three games.

The women are now 5-11 on the season and 2-1 in conference play, placing them sixth in the OVC.

Both teams will be playing Morehead State at Groniger Arena on Thursday. The women will play at 5 p.m. followed by the men at 7:30.

Luther Yoder can be reached at 5812812 or at lyoder@eiu.edu.

BY ROBERT LE CATES | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Sophomore wide receiver Justin Bowick Jr. attempts for a catch but is interrupted by Illinois State University’s Paul Omodia, a freshman defensive back during the Mid-America Classic game against the Redbirds at O’Brien Field. The Panthers won 14-13.

Upcoming basketball schedules

Men’s Basketball Women’s Basketball

Moorehead State

Western Illinois

Lindenwood

Tennessee Tech

Tennessee State

UT Martin

Little Rock

Southern Indiana

Moorehead State

Southeast Missouri

Lindenwood

Tennesse State

Tennessee Tech

SIUE

Western Illinois

Ohio Valley Conference Tournament

Jan. 11 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. Groniger Arena

Jan. 13 (Saturday) 3:30 p.m. Groniger Arena

Jan. 20 (Saturday) 7:30 p.m. St. Charles, Mo.

Jan. 25 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. Groniger Arena

an. 27 (Saturday) 3:30 p.m. Groniger Arena

Feb. 1 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. Groniger

Feb. 3 (Saturday) 3:30 p.m. Groniger Arena

Feb. 8 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. Evansville, Ind.

Feb. 10 (Saturday) 2 p.m. Morehead, Ky.

Feb 15 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. Groniger Arena

Feb. 17 (Saturday) 3:30 p.m. Groniger Arena

Feb. 22 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. Nashville, Tenn.

Feb. 24 (Saturday) 3 p.m. Cookeville, Tenn.

Feb. 27 (Tuesday) 7:30 p.m. Groniger Arena

Feb. 29 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. Macomb, Ill.

TBD

Moorehead State

Western Illinois

Lindenwood

Tennessee Tech

Tennessee State

UT Martin

Little Rock

Southern Indiana

Moorehead State

Southeast Missouri

Lindenwood

Tennesse State

Tennessee Tech

SIUE

Western Illinois

Ohio Valley Conference Tournament

Panthers of the Break

The senior guard from Chicago helped lead the team to three wins over the holiday break.

Eastern beat Blackburn College 87-66. at Groniger Arena as Booker recorded 16 points, six assists and three rebounds.

Booker helped the Panthers get Ohio Valley Conference wins over University of Tennessee-Martin and Little Rock.

The Panthers beat the Skyhawks 79-72. Booker scored 21 points as he was eight of 14 from the field and three of six from behind the arc.

Jan. 11 (Thursday) 5 p.m. Groniger Arena

Jan. 13 (Saturday) 1 p.m. Groniger Arena

Jan. 20 (Saturday) 1 p.m. St. Charles, Mo.

Jan. 25 (Thursday) 5 p.m. Groniger Arena

an. 27 (Saturday) 1 p.m. Groniger Arena

Feb. 1 (Thursday) 5 p.m. Groniger

Feb. 3 (Saturday) 1 p.m. Groniger Arena

Feb. 8 (Thursday) 5 p.m. Evansville, Ind.

Feb. 10 (Saturday) 12 p.m. Morehead, Ky.

Feb 15 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. Groniger Arena

Feb. 17 (Saturday) 1 p.m. Groniger Arena

Feb. 22 (Thursday) 5 p.m. Nashville, Tenn.

Feb. 24 (Saturday) 1 p.m. Cookeville, Tenn.

Feb. 27 (Tuesday) 5p.m. Groniger Arena

Feb. 29 (Thursday) 5 p.m. Macomb, Ill.

TBD

The junior forward from Greenville, WI helped lead the team to two early Ohio Valley Conference wins over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and University of Tennessee-Martin over the holiday break.

McGlone scored 30 points and recorded 10 rebounds against the Cougars as the Panthers went on the win 80-74.

McGlone scored 22 points as she was nine of 12 from the field. McGlone also recorded 10 rebounds in the 72-70 win over the Skyhawks.

JORDAN “TIGER” BOOKER

MACY MCGLONE

Athletes to watch during winter, spring sports

The senior guard from Chicago transferred to Eastern after playing one year at Tarlton State.

Booker currently averages 13.4 points per game, 3.1 assists per game and 2.8 rebounds per game.

Booker set season-highs for himself in points (31), minutes played (38), field goals made (9), field goal attempts (16), three-point field goals made (3), free throws made (10) and free throw attempts (10).

Throughout 12 games, Booker has recorded 161 points, 37 assists, 30 steals and 27 rebounds.

The junior guard/ forward from Chicago transferred to Eastern after playing one year at Panola College.

Davis currently averages 7.7 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game and 1.3 per game. Throughout 16 games, Davis has recorded 123 points, 36 rebounds, 20 assists, 16 steals and 11 blocks.

Davis began to start for the Panthers against the University of Tennessee-Martin Screaming Eagles on Jan. 4. The Panthers went on to win the game 79-72.

The junior forward from Greenville, Wis. is currently in tied for eighth place in the nation for rebounds per game. McGlone averages 11.1 rebounds per game and 17.6 points per game.

McGlone has also recorded nine double doubles in a span of 16 games.

At the end of last season, McGlone had a total of 211 points, 178 rebounds and 22 blocks.

16 games into the 2023-2024 season, McGlone has recorded 281 points, 177 rebounds and 31 blocks.

The senior pitcher from Smiths Grove, Ky. was named the 2023 Ohio Valley Conference Female Athlete of the Year after leading the Panthers to the NCAA Softball Tournament after securing the program’s first-ever OVC Tournament title.

Price was also named the 2023 OVC Pitcher of the Year as well as a spot part of the OVC 1st Team and the OVC Tournament

Most Valuable Player.

Price recorded 12 shutouts last season.

The senior catcher/ first baseman from Olathe, Kan. was named part of the 2023 second Team All-OVC in the infielder category.

Milkowski led the OVC in home runs (14), RBI (47) and walks drawn (30). Milkowski also recorded nine multi-hit games throughout the season last year. Milkowski’s 14 home runs brought her total home runs at her time at Eastern to 23 home runs, which in the sixth most in Eastern’s softball program history.

The junior from Eureka competes in the high jump/hurdles category for the Panthers.

During last year’s indoor track season, Skutt finished in second place in the high jump with a jump of 6’7.75”.

Skutt was also named to the All-OVC second team honors.

Skutt’s season best 60 hurdle time was 8.55, and his season best pole vault was 11’5.75” last season.

During the meet in Dec. Skutt finished first in the 60 meter hurdles (8.63) and high jump (1.95m 6/4 ¾).

The freshman guard from Milwaukee currently averages 6.6 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game.

The most points Ellis has scored this season is 22 points against Valparaiso.

The most rebounds Ellis has recorded in a single game this season is nine against Valparaiso.

Ellis currently has a total of 99 points, 57 rebounds, 19 assists and 13 steals for the 2023-2024 season.

Coming out of high school, Ellis averaged 20.7 points per game and 8.6 rebounds per game.

The senior utility from Mascoutah transferred for the 2023 season after spending two years at Olney Central College.

Gober spent his time playing at third base and outfielding.

Gober was named to the OVC All-Tournament team after helping the Panthers win the OVC Championship and make an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Gober ended the 2023 season with eight home runs and 34 runs.

Gober started in 49 of the 56 games he played in and made it to base 93 times.

The right-handed pitcher from Maple Park helped the team make an NCAA appearance.

Conklin had an 8-5 record as the starting pitcher, and he played in an additional two games.

Conklin helped the Panthers beat the Southeast Missouri Redhawks as he pitched for 5.2 innings, and Conklin didn’t allow a single earned run.

Conklin ended the 2023 season with a 9-6 record when playing with 79.2 innings pitched and a 5.65 ERA.

The senior from Chicago Heights competes in the throws category for the Panthers.

During the 2023 indoor track season, Iverson recorded a season best weight throw at the OVC Championships. Iverson’s 55’11 ranked ninth in Eastern’s program history.

Iverson also competed in the shotput category during the 2023 indoor season, recording her season best throw of 41’4.50”.

During the meet in Dec., Iverson recorded a new career best of 16.25m (53’4 ¼).

The junior from Carlsbad, Calif. competes in the hurdles/ jump category for the Panthers.

During the 2023 indoor track season, Tarquin finished in first place in the triple jump at the EIU Early Bird with her season best of 36’7.50”. Tarquin’s best long jump of the indoor season was 17’3.25 at the OVC Championship.

During the EIU Early Bird on Dec. 8, Tarquin set a new career record in the triple jump ending at a distance of 11.30m (37’1”).

The junior from Sylvania, OH swims in the freestyle category for the Panthers. Dillon swam in ten meets last season and set a school record in the 50 freestyle event (20.31). Dillon placed seventh at the Summit League meet with his 50 freestyle time. Dillon also placed in sixth in the 100 freestyle category at the Summit League meet. Dillon’s 100 freestyle time was his best time of the season in that category (44.96). With that 100 freestyle time, Dillon is in third place in the program’s record book.