EIU opens the 2013 season at home against Oakland on Aug. 23

CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois Athletic Director Barbara Burke has announced Jason Cherry as the interim head women’s soccer coach for the upcoming 2013 season. Cherry enters his second season with the Panthers having previously served as an assistant coach a year ago.

Cherry inherits 14 returning letterwinners and six starters from a team that went 6-12-1 (4-5-1 OVC) last season. The South Bend, Ind., native replaces former head coach Summer Perala who resigned in June.

Cherry also has added Tony Castelon as an assistant coach for the upcoming season. Castelon previously served as an assistant coach at Western Illinois (2010-11), assisting in all aspects of the program from facilitating practices to serving as the team’s academic coordinator. He most recently worked for the United State Sports Academy as a faculty member and coaching ambassador in six regions throughout Southeast Asia.

The Panther soccer team reports to camp on Aug. 8 in preparations for the 2013 campaign. The season opener is slated for Aug. 23 against Oakland at Lakeside Field.