History of the Panthers
The Eastern Illinois Panthers are the intercollegiate athletic program of Eastern Illinois University (EIU) in Charleston, Illinois, United States. The Panthers athletic program is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and competes at the NCAA Division I level in the Football Championship Subdivision. EIU's colors are blue and gray. Selected as the team mascot in 1930, EIU's panther was informally known as "Billy" for many years and was officially named "Billy the Panther" in 2008. Panther teams have won five NCAA national championships in three sports. The Panthers also won the 1969 NAIA men's soccer title.
College Sports Established
1899
Location
Charleston, Illinois
College Name
Eastern Illinois University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1996 - Present / Ohio Valley Conference
1983 - 1995 / Mid-Continent Conference
1978 - 1982 / Mid-Continent Athletic Association
1913 - 1970 / Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Nickname
Panthers - Like many colleges and universities across the country, the nickname for Eastern Illinois intercollegiate teams was something that was developed after the start of intercollegiate athletics at that school. At EIU the name Panthers has not always been around, but it does date back to the 1930's.
For many years the school colors, Blue and Gray, were used to describe the school's sport teams.
The circumstances and exact date of the derivation of Panthers can be pinpointed, although the reason why that particular 'tag' was chosen is still uncertain.
Back in 1930, the Teachers College News, forerunner of the Eastern News, decided it would be appropriate and more handy to have an official nickname.
So in conjunction with the Fox Lincoln Theatre, $5 worth of tickets was offered to the winner of a contest to "name" Eastern's athletic teams.
Athletic director and football coach Charles "Pop" Lantz, football captain Gene Kintz and News sports editor Irvin Singler were chosen to select the winning entry. Several nicknames were submitted, although the exact number is not available, and on October 16, 1930, the News announced Panthers as the winner.
Harland Baird, Paul Birthisel and Thelma Brooks all submitted the winning nickname and split the prize.
The judges explained they considered several names with an Indian background such as Kickapoos, Ellini, and Indians, itself. Also, the school colors were considered in possible combinations such as Blue Racers, Blue Boys, Blue Battlers and Greyhounds.
The name chosen, though, was quickly accepted. The News used it extensively in that October 16 issue. Gilbert Twist of the Decatur Review said, "Panthers is an appropriate one for this team and is one that has not been used much over the country."
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.