Pre-Game Release (PDF) | Game Program (PDF)

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- The Eastern Illinois rugby squad opens up the 2011 season at home this weekend as the Panthers are set to host the Grand Valley State at 1 p.m. Saturday at EIU's Lakeside Field.

GVSU was the lone team to have beaten the Panthers in over three seasons, as EIU fell on the road to the Lakers, 17-5, last fall which snapped a program-best 29-game winning streak.

THE RUBBER CONTEST ...
The meeting versus the Lakers on Saturday will be only the third time the two squads have battled on the rugby field.  GVSU won on the road last year, while the Panthers won 32-0 at home in 2009. This matchup will be the season-opener for both squads.

HEAD COACH FRANK GRAZIANO ...
Sporting a 100-19 all-time record, EIU skipper Frank Graziano enters his 13th season leading the Panthers rugby squad.  He currently owns an 84-7 mark during the NCAA Division I seasons, starting in 2002.

COACH GRAZIANO SAYS ...
“We had an excellent preseason,” Graziano said. “Probably one of the best preseasons that we have had in my 13 years in fact.

“The important thing is that we started to develop team chemistry right away, which has been key. It can be hard at times, but this freshmen class has bonded very closely with the rest of the group.

“Two newcomers -- Madison Kisner and Carissa Burge -- will definitely have an impact right away. While in the upper class, Kayla Heal had the best preseason she's ever had and because of that I believe we have increased her expectations for this fall, been playing multiple positions in practice and really enjoys that. So she's definitely ready to play.

“Narissa Ramirez continues to be the heart-and-soul of the squad as the lone captain.”

COACH GRAZIANO ON GVSU...
“Last year versus GVSU we didn't play very well,” said Graziano, “so we want to be able to prove to ourselves, and to Grand Valley State, that we are a better team than we showed up in Michigan last season.

“We don't have a very big senior class, but they definitely want to start their final year on a positive note. In fact, the junior class had never dropped a game in their career until last year against the Lakers, so that was their first career loss, which means they are pumped to prove something.

“Everybody is healthy and will be expected to play, so if we can minimize our early-season mistakes it should be a great game. It's the rubber match in the all-time series and most likely GVSU will also make some mistakes as it is their first game as well.”

NICE WEATHER AHEAD ...
After a long period without any rain, the weather for Saturday might be a mixed bag, as scattered thunderstorms are expected with a 40% chance of precipitation. Highs are projected to reach the low 90s.

... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID