CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois football faced its first day in full pads as the Panthers had a single practice around the lunch hour on Wednesday at O'Brien Field. The Panthers had a spirited practice as they will have their first two-a-day practice session on Thursday. EIU is scheduled to have its first scrimmage of the fall season on Saturday at 3 p.m. at O'Brien Field.

Junior offensive lineman Eric Zink was among the players happy to be putting on pads for the first time even though he mentioned that as an offensive lineman, they have been going with close to full contact with the defensive line since practice started on Saturday. Zink is a junior slated to start for the third straight season at left guard. He and junior center Willie Henderson are the only two returning starters from last year's offensive line.



Head coach Bob Spoo announced during Wednesday's practice that three players had left camp. The include walk-ons Mick Viken and Leslie Tripp along with Aki Dionsopoulos, a transfer from Fresno State who was expected to contribute on the defensive line.

The Panthers will kick off the regular season in 24 days on Sept. 4 at Iowa. Tickets for EIU fans and alumni are on sale through the EIU ticket office at 217-581-2106. Cost is $55 per seat. Iowa has announced the game as a sell out and the only tickets remaining are in the Panther allotment.

Single game and season tickets for EIU's five home contests are also on sale by calling 217-581-2106 or online at www.eiupanthertickets.com EIU will hold a Panther Club & Season Ticket Appreciation cook out on Saturday – August 21 at O'Brien Field. The Panthers will scrimmage at 4:30 p.m. followed by the cook out which will start around 5:15 p.m.