EIU Inducts Powerhouse Hall of Fame Class

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Published on September 30 2019 2:32 pm
Last Updated on September 30 2019 2:32 pm
Written by Millie Lange

CHARLESTON -- Eastern Illinois University inducted one of its most illustrious Hall of Fame classes of all-time Saturday afternoon as the Panthers inducted Jimmy Garoppolo, Erik Lora, Jade Riebold and Mick Vien as the Class of 2019.

All four athletes were first-ballot Hall of Fame selections as they had unparalleled sucess in their sports during their time at Eastern Illinois. All four were All-America, OVC Athletes of the Year and school and conference record holders.

Jimmy Garoppolo (football 2010-13) was a record-setting quarterback for EIU before he became the franchise quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. During his four years at EIU, Garoppolo set every EIU and Ohio Valley Conference single season and career passing records. He placed 10th in the Walter Payton Award voting as a junior and was the OVC Player of the Year as a senior. He was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots and won a pair of Super Bowl Championships while on the Patriots roster.

Erik Lora (football 2009-13) was on the receving end of many of Garoppolo's passes during his career as he was a two-time first team All-American while finishing fourth in voting for the Walter Payton award in 2012. He finished his career as the EIU and OVC leader in both single season and career receptions, yards and touchdowns. He was the 2012 OVC Player of the Year as a junior. He currently is the Assistant Athletic Director for Development at EIU.

Jade Riebold (track & field, 2012-14) -- was perhaps the most decorated female athlete in EIU history as she was a four-time All-American in the pole vault including a two-time first team finisher. She placed second at the NCAA Indoor National Championships in 2013 and was third at the NCAA Outdoor National Championships that same season. She was a four-time OVC Female Field Athlete of the Year. She currently works in pharmaceutical sales.

Mick Viken (track & field, 2011-14) -- dominated the pole vault for the Panthers winning seven Ohio Valley Conference titles in the event during his four years on the roster. He currently holds the OVC pole record for both indoor and outdoor and is the school record holder in the indoor pole vault. He currently works as a business development consultant.