The history of track and field and cross country at Emporia State University is a rich and colorful one. Athletes from Emporia State University have set national and world records, won national championships and attained numerous All-American honors. ESU athletes have participated in the Olympic Games and one emerged as an Olympic champion. The coaches at ESU have also been honored with inductions into National Track and Field Halls of Fame and have helped coached United States Olympic and international teams. Emporia State University has established a legendary tradition of team and...

Emporia State University has established a legendary tradition in cross country. ESU started cross country competition at the national level with a fifth place finish at the 1946 National Intercollegiate Championships. The Hornet harriers claimed NAIA cross country championships in 1958, 1959, 1961, and 1962 and a NCAA small college national championship in 1963. They finished as the national runner-up in 1963 and again in 1964. Ireland Sloan in 1962 and John Camien in 1963 and 1964 won individual NAIA National Championships. Eighteen athletes have earned cross country All-American honors in...