Jeff Rutherford from men’s tennis and Sarah Coppert from softball have been named the Eastern Illinois student-athletes of the month for March 2008. Each month during the school year one male and one female student-athlete will be recognized for their outstanding performance in their sport.
Rutherford, a sophomore from Richmond, Ky., has helped the Panther men post a 4-1 Ohio Valley Conference record in the month of March to sit in third place in the league standings. Rutherford played most of the month at No. 1 singles posting a 6-1 record including a 4-1 record in conference action.
Coppert, a junior from Maple Park, Ill., was the top offensive producer in March for the Panthers softball team that opened OVC play at 5-3. Coppert his .365 for the month driving in 16 runs with a double, triple and home run. She also picked up 9 stolen bases while scoring 11 runs.
Previous Winners
August 2007 - Donald Thomas (Football), Kellie Floyd (W Soccer)
September 2007 - Mick Galeski (M Soccer), Molly Clutter (W Rugby)
October 2007 - Ademola Adeniji (Football), Carrie Riordan (W Golf)
November 2007 - Joe Laird (M Swimming), Laura Nilsen (W Swimming)
December 2007 – Romain Martin (M Basketball), Maggie Kloak (W Basketball)
January 2008 - Obe Eruteya (M Track), Rachel Galligan (W Basketball)
February 2008 – Jake Byrne (M Basketball), Kandace Arnold (W Track)
March 2008 – Jeff Rutherford (M Tennis), Sarah Coppert (Softball)
