Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

Thank You for Making the 2026 Panther Club Spring Fling a Remarkable Success!
 
For the first time since 2019, the Panther Club Spring Fling returned to Groniger Arena on Saturday, April 18th, and what an unforgettable evening it was.
 
With a packed arena filled with alumni, friends, supporters, and members of the Eastern Illinois community, the 2026 Rhythm and Blues Spring Fling served as a powerful reminder of what makes EIU Athletics so special: the people who believe in our student-athletes.
 
The energy in the room was undeniable as guests came together to celebrate the heartbeat of Panther Athletics while raising critical support for the success and experience of EIU student-athletes. Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone involved, this year's event raised an outstanding $206,000 in support of Panther Athletics.
 
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when Cole LaCrue, Alex Tetteh, and Abby Reinl shared their personal stories as EIU student-athletes. Their heartfelt reflections reminded everyone in attendance that Panther Athletics is about far more than competition. They spoke about the lifelong relationships they have built, the challenges they have overcome, and the pride they feel every time they represent Eastern Illinois University. Their words brought to life the true impact of donor support, showing that every gift helps create opportunities that shape not only stronger athletes, but stronger people. For many in the room, hearing their passion and gratitude was a moving reminder of why investing in student-athletes matters so deeply.
 
None of this would have been possible without the tremendous commitment of our sponsors.
 
Presenting Sponsor: EIU Alumni Association
 
Title Sponsors

• Drake Homes and Commercial

• First Mid Bank & Trust

• Rural King

• Slumberland

• Sarah Bush Lincoln

• BSN Sports

• Ironhold Asset Management

VIP Sponsors

• Diepholz Auto Group

• EIU Foundation

• First Neighbor Bank

• Ne-Co Asphalt

• Pilson Auto Group

• Pilson Power Sports

• Spyglass

• Towne Square Jewelers

• Washington Savings Bank

Blue Sponsors

• Federated Insurance - Clint Coffey

• Koerner Distributor Inc.

• Mike and Libby Murray

• Myerscough Automotive

• Wave Graphics

2026 Spring Fling Silent and Live Auction Booklet - Support the businesses that support the Panthers.

Their support, along with the generosity of our guests, and over 140 local business community partners who donated items, continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of EIU student-athletes.
 
"The return of Spring Fling was a celebration of everything Panther Athletics represents, tradition, pride, and the incredible people who stand behind our student-athletes," said Director of Athletics Tom Michael. "Seeing Groniger Arena full again was a reminder that our community remains deeply invested in helping our student-athletes succeed both on the field and in the classroom."
 
Assistant Director of Development Amber May reflected on the evening's impact. "To see so many people come back together for the first Spring Fling in several years was incredibly special," May said. "The generosity shown throughout the night speaks volumes about how much this community cares about our student-athletes and the opportunities we can create for them through Panther Club support."
 
The Rhythm and Blues Spring Fling was more than an event, it was a celebration of the partnership between EIU Athletics and the community that helps make Panther success possible.
 
To everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, and supported this special evening: Thank you for believing in our student-athletes and for helping to give them an experience that lasts a lifetime.
 
FOREVER BLUE