Panther Briefs: Track hosts another home meet Saturday
Friday, January 30 2009 - Illinois Intercollegiate
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The Panthers will host the Illinois Intercollegiate Meet on Saturday at Lantz Fieldhouse.
"Having so many talented runners this season has given us one of the deepest teams in the (Ohio Valley Conference)," said Eastern head track coach Tom Akers. "This is the result of having freshmen step up and making themselves capable of performing on the big stage."
In the two meets that Eastern has taken part in this season, red-shirt freshman Zye Boey has won both track of the week honors given by the OVC.
Freshman sprinter DeMarcus Brooks, Boey and sophomore Chevon Walker all have stepped into the records.
They are currently holding the sixth, seventh and eighth place records, respectively, in the 60-meter dash at Eastern.
Akers said freshman Tyler Carter has been another top performer for Eastern
"Tyler has really jumped well for us and has done a nice job in hurdles so far this season," Akers said.
"I have been pleased with the youngsters on the team so far this season," Carter said. "We have a very young, but talented team this season, and this will set us up for future success as we gain experience through the races."
Boey has also won the 200-meter dash twice in two meets this season with a season best of 21.74 seconds.
Swimming hosts Valparaiso
The Eastern men's and women's swimming team will be seeking their third straight dual meet victory this weekend.
The Panthers will be hosting Valparaiso at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Ray Padovan Pool.
"Despite their current records, Valpo has some really fine swimmers, which makes them tough to go up against," said Eastern head coach Matt Bos in a press release. "They have four to five top swimmers on both sides, which allows them to spread the talent around and potentially take some individual events."
The Valpo men's swimming team (0-7) lost to Eastern last season 113-92, while the Valpo women's swimming team (1-7) defeated the Panthers 122-101 last season.
Men's tennis loses opener
The Eastern men's tennis team had lost four matches against Illinois State at the Ball State Invitational in October.
It was the same case on Thursday in Eastern's season opener as the Panthers lost 6-1 in Normal. The Panthers lost every match except when freshman Drew Grimaldi won at No. 6 singles because an Illinois State player retired. The rest of the Panthers (0-1) lost all their singles matches. They also lost their doubles matches against the Redbirds (1-0). The Panthers will play at Southern Illinois Edwardsville (1-0) at noon.
-Compiled by Sports Editor Kevin Murphy and Staff Reporter Wally Swenson. They can be reached at 581-7944 or at DENsportsdesk@gmail.com.