Eastern Men's Coach Marty Simmons in Effingham Tuesday

Eastern Illinois University men's basketball coach Marty Simmons was part of a group of EIU coaches and officials who visited Effingham Tuesday evening for a reception at Koerner Distributor.

Simmons is remembered for his stellar career at Lawrenceville where he played on state championship teams for Ron Felling and played against the Effingham Hearts in a memorable game at Lantz Arena for the championship of the Charleston Holiday Tournament. 

Simmons returned to Charleston last season for what was a tough season for the Panthers as far as wins and losses, but he's excited about the upcoming season and is still landing players to add to a good mix of returning athletes. Among his assistants is his Lawrenceville teammate Doug Novsek. 

Greg Sapp talked with Coach Simmons at the reception, and did a little reminiscing during the conversation...