PARTHENON CONEY ISLAND
Founded by two dedicated and passionate chefs, we have become one of the most desired and requested Restaurant, and catering companies in the area. Our strength is an unmatched love for hospitality. We take a great deal of pride in our presentation, our service, and our culinary knowledge. 17064 Fort Street Riverview
734.285.5900
JANUARY 15 — FEBRUARY 12, 2024 RiverviewRegister.com
Nic DiSanto starts as true freshman Division 1 Eastern Illinois improves from 2-9 to 8-3 in one season BY DAVE GORGON
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How big of an impact did Nic DiSanto have as a true freshman playing Division 1 college football? As a true freshman at Eastern Illinois University, a year removed from Gabriel Richard High School in Riverview, DiSanto not only cracked the starting lineup at offensive right tackle in his secondever college game, but he also impressed his coaches so much that they let him start nine of the season’s 11 games. An EIU team that went 2-9 in the 2022 season finished 8-3 this year as DiSanto and his teammates nearly made the playoffs in the FCS, the Football Championship Subdivision of NCAA Division 1 football. It was the school’s best record in a decade. In fact, the Panthers stunned Tennessee State University, 30-
17, in the next-to-last game of the season to eliminate the Eddie George-coached team from playoff contention. One of the nation’s leading tacklers, who played for TSU, was shut down by Eastern Illinois’ offensive line. For DiSanto, who lives in Wyandotte, getting an early start and never quitting paid off with a stellar season. He said players bought into what Head Coach Chris Wilkerson was saying when he adopted the motto “flip the switch” and the Panthers did just that. “Everyone wanted it more,” DiSanto said. “We were predicted to finish eight of 11 in the (Ohio Valley) conference and we finished third.” Once DiSanto reached his goal of signing with a Division 1 college, he couldn’t wait to get started. He SEE DISANTO, Page 19
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