EIU hopes to stay in OVC contention

The Panthers are 1-0 in the league heading into today's game against Southeast.

One of the few question marks Eastern Illinois had entering this season was at quarterback.

But if the Panthers' most recent game is any indication, then even that position might be in good hands.

Sophomore Mike Donato, who prior to this year had not attempted a college pass, completed 22 of 28 attempts for 229 yards and two touchdowns during a 43-14 rout of Samford on Sept. 24.

"He played very well," said EIU coach Bob Spoo, whose team had an open date last week.

Spoo hopes Donato continues to perform well today when the Panthers (2-2, 1-0 Ohio Valley Conference) visit winless Southeast Missouri State (0-5, 0-2) in a 6 p.m. kickoff at Houck Stadium.

"I hope he's reached that level where he's consistent," Spoo said. "I think he got some confidence, but I don't know how he'll respond."

Spoo said Donato has been somewhat up and down so far. He started off with a solid performance during a win over Indiana State in the opener, then dropped off as the Panthers were soundly beaten by Division I-A BYU and Illinois State.

"He started out well in that first game, the next two he dropped off, and he recovered for the fourth game," Spoo said. "I hope he's on the upswing."

Overall this year, Donato has completed 57.8 percent of his passes (63 of 109) for 675 yards, with four touchdowns and three interceptions.

Donato is directing an offense that returned 10 starters from last season and features its normally strong running game.

Vincent Webb, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2004, leads EIU with 207 yards while averaging 3.8 yards per carry.

Defensively, EIU returned eight starters from a year ago, when the Panthers went 5-6 and tied for fourth place in the OVC at 4-4. They were picked fourth in the league this year.

"They're one of the better teams in the conference," Southeast coach TIm Billings said. "Their quarterback is playing well, and they've got a really good defense."

Hall of Fame induction

Four individuals and the 1960-61 men's basketball team that finished second nationally will be inducted into the Southeast Athletic Hall of Fame today at the Show Me Center.

The ceremony is scheduled for 2:45 p.m., with a reception at 2 p.m. The inductees will also be introduced at tonight's football game.

The individuals being honored are Frank Hawkins, who played football at the university from 1903 to 1907; Don Pritchard, a three-sport athlete from 1931 to 1934; Ray Rippelmeyer, a basketball player from 1953 to 1955; and Ted Banker, a football player from 1979 to 1982. Hawkins and Pritchard will be honored posthumously.