The entire men’s basketball team and three out of four coaches encouraged the student senate members at Wednesday’s meeting to attend the men’s basketball game, at 8 p.m. today in Lantz Arena.

During audience participation, the men’s basketball head coach, Mike Miller, introduced himself and the team. Miller told the senate members about the importance of student government’s impact on Eastern athletics.

“The time and effort you put in is important,” Miller said.

Miller encouraged all of the student senate members to attend the game, which will air on ESPNU. The game is a whiteout; meaning Eastern fans should wear white to the game.

Student senate members had a chance to meet the entire basketball team and the players were individually introduced.

“We’d really appreciate it if you guys came out (today),” said Shaun Pratl, a freshman forward on the team.

Student Body President Michelle Murphy also emphasized the importance for a strong showing of the student senate members at the basketball game.

“I talked a lot of big talk about how student senate loves sports; it is really important for us to go (today),” Murphy said.

Panther Nation, the student cheering section organized by Murphy, will be giving away incentives to fans who attend the game.

Prizes will be given away to the biggest fan, a fan with the best sign and best body paint. The students will determine the winners.

Student senate committee meetings that normally meet on Thursdays have been set back a week to allow members to attend the game.

Jenna Mitchell can be reached at

581-7492 or jlmitchell@eiu.edu