The Coles County Clash, the annual football rivalry between Mattoon and Charleston played at O’Brien Field, is back today at 7 p.m.
While this game is a big deal for both high schools, as they get to play against their rivals in a college stadium for bragging rights and a traveling trophy, the clash is also important to the university itself.
Eastern’s decision to host the event ultimately came down to Deputy Athletic Director Mark Bonnstetter and Associate Athletic Director/Media & Public Relations Rich Moser.
The two wanted to bring the game to O’Brien Field because neither Charleston’s Trojan Hill nor Mattoon’s Gaines Field has enough room to accommodate the away fans. O’Brien Field has more than enough room to hold both sets of fans and the other community members that wish to attend.
“Rich and I both believed that this could be a great event for both communities, and it’s turned out to be just that,” Bonnstetter said.
The clash has gained the sponsorship of local businesses. First Mid Bank & Trust is the title sponsor, Bonnstetter said, with the other official sponsors being Pilson Auto Center, Sarah Bush Lincoln, KC Summers Auto Group and Diepholz Auto.
According to Bonnstetter, the two high schools evenly split the profit from the event, with Eastern getting enough to pay off the cost of security, stadium workers, etc., as well as getting a little cut of the profits from concessions.
Tickets are sold at both high schools for $5, and the remaining tickets are given to Eastern to sell at the gate. Eastern slightly marks up the price, charging $6 per ticket at the O’Brien Field gate and keeping the extra dollar per ticket. Bonnstetter says the markup earns Eastern another couple hundred dollars.
Eastern benefits in more ways than just financially. The university hopes that as students see more of the campus because of events like the clash, they feel more inclined to attend Eastern when they leave high school.
“I hope in some way that there’s a ripple effect for our admissions department,” Bonnstetter said. “Any time you can bring people to campus, we hope that there’s a positive effect [in enrollment].”
This year’s clash is unique. It’s during Eastern’s homecoming week and played the night before Eastern hosts Southeast Missouri State in college football. With that game scheduled for a 2 p.m. start, those tasked with cleaning the stadium after the clash won’t have much time.
Because Eastern is at home the next day, neither school will have access to the locker rooms in O’Brien. Instead, they’ll have access to the Lantz Complex fieldhouse, and both teams can use a locker room in there.
“It’s gonna be a long couple of days for a few of us,” Bonnstetter said.
Eastern is in the middle of a contract with both schools to continue hosting the event through 2026, but Bonnstetter says as that year approaches, the two schools and Eastern will discuss extending the contract for another four year term.
With the excitement of the Clash building, Mattoon head coach Jarad Kimbro says the Greenwave players have been looking forward to the chance to play at O’Brien for a while.
“Playing at O’Brien is a great experience for our guys,” Kimbro said. “They love the atmosphere, and it should be even more exciting this weekend being EIU’s homecoming.”
Charleston head coach Brian Halsey is coaching in his sixth Clash. He says the energy at the stadium during the game is good for the kids.
“We’re just thankful for the opportunity to play at Eastern,” Halsey said. “The experience that our communities are going to get to have and our schools, It’s good for all involved. We need more of that kind of excitement and fun in our world today with everything going on.”
Gabe Newman can be reached at 581-2812 or at ghnewman@eiu.edu.
