Eastern Illinois University Athletics

Dino Fanti from football and Riley McInerney from men's cross country have been named the Back To Health EIU student-athletes of the week.

Fanti was named the OVC Defensive Player of the Week as he helped the Panthers pick up a 23-21 win at UT Martin with two big fourth quarter plays.  With EIU leading 16-15 in the fourth, he hit UTM's quarterback from behind forcing an interception that was returned for a touchdown.  With EIU leading 23-21 late in the fourth, he tackled UTM's quarterback in the backfield on the two-point conversion attempt.  Fanti had seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble.

McInerney earned All-Region honors as he placed 24th at the NCAA Midwest Regional leading the Panthers to a 13th place finish at the meet.  Riley posted a 10K time of 30:40.1 which is the seventh fastest time in school history.  His 24th place finish was the eighth highest in school history at an NCAA Regional.   Earlier this season McInerney earned first team All-OVC honors helping EIU place second at the conference meet.