As a former Illinois State Redbird, I fully expected it to feel somewhat unnatural to be writing about EIU athletics.

After all, the Panthers and Redbirds have been athletic rivals for over a century. The two schools are part of the oldest rivalry in football in the State of Illinois.

Since 1901, the ‘Birds and Panthers have meet 96 times on the gridiron.

Although my age is beginning to show, some of you may remember the fall of 2006, an exciting time in Division I FCS football in Illinois.

In an early season match-up at ISU, the two teams faced each other for the first time in history where both teams were nationally ranked.

After the Panthers jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, ISU put up 23 points before halftime, and went on to win 44-30.

The two teams met again two months later, this time in Charleston in the first round of the FCS playoffs.

The ‘Birds would also win that game, 24-13, courtesy of two interception returns for touchdowns.

I give you this history lesson only so I can say to those who may have been there that I, unfortunately, was amongst those red-clad ISU faithful who descended upon O’Brien Stadium for the first round playoff game.

It was a game filled with the intensity, passion, and loathing for the opposing team that makes any rivalry great.

So here I am, three years later, reporting on the “opposing” team. But while I may have expected it to feel unnatural, I am surprised to find it doesn’t. I have found the Eastern and Charleston community extremely welcoming and friendly. But more importantly, I found this university to be a sports writer’s dream come true.

The baseball team is two wins away from setting a single-season record for victories. The team is receiving votes in the national polls, and is poised to make an appearance in the NCAA tournament.

EIU is one of only two NCAA Division one schools with a women’s rugby team, presenting the unique opportunity to cover a sport almost no other writers have the opportunity to.

Of course, there’s also a handful of Eastern alum involved in professional football.

I would hope everybody is aware of Dallas quarterback Tony Romo being a former Eastern standout. He is in good company with Saints head coach Sean Payton, Vikings head coach Brad Childress, and former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan. All are Eastern Panthers. And I am honored to write about such a tradition-rich program as I begin my career here at Eastern.

Jeff Jurinek can be reached at 581-7943 or at jejurinek@eiu.edu.