Eastern Illinois University Athletics

Nick Martinez from football and Kayla Heal from women’s rugby have been named the EIU student-athletes of the week. 

 

Martinez helped the Panthers seal a 33-26 win over Illinois State in the 100^th playing of the Mid-America Classic with two interceptions in the final 2:21 of the game. Martinez final interception came with nine seconds remaining as he became the first EIU player since 2007 to record two or more interceptions in a game. Football plays at Northwestern on Sept. 10 at 2:30 p.m. 

 

Heal scored three trys as the Panthers avenged their only loss from last year with a season opening 46-7 win over Grand Valley State. Heal scored the Panthers opening points just six minutes into the game as EIU never looked back. Women’s rugby hosts Minnesota on Sept 10 at Noon.