Previous O'Brien Field 50 Year Sections
Post Season Games
Defensive Backs & Safeties
Offensive Linemen
Running Backs
Linebackers
Quarterbacks & Tight Ends
Specialists
Defensive Line
Wide Receivers
Top Crowds (Football)
Track All-Americans
This year marks the 50th Anniversary for O'Brien Field as the Panthers began competition at the renovated complex for the 1970 season.
With no football on the docket for the fall of 2020, every Wednesday this fall we bring you some memorable moments, players and teams to cap the Golden Anniversary.Â
The location for the current football and track field was in place prior to the 1970 season and referenced as Lincoln Field. The current grandstand and press box were constructed for that year replacing smaller sideline bleachers converting the space into a true college football and track facility.
The first football game played at the newly dubbed location was on Sept. 12, 1970 with a 28-18 loss to regional rival Indiana State. The Panthers would get their first win the following week with a 19-14 win over Milwaukee on Sept. 19.
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This week we turn our attention to the EIU track and field programs which also call O'Brien Field home.  This week we look at the Panthers All-Americans in field events from the 1970 season through today.
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NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
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Darrell Brown – 1974 … Long Jump
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Toni Ababio – 1975 … Long Jump
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Toni Ababio – 1975 … Triple Jump
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*** Note *** John Craft (Triple Jump) and Ray White (1955) were both National Champions in field events prior to 1970…
MEN'S NCAA DIVISION I
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Darrin Steele – 1991 … Decathlon
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Braidy Miller – 1992 … Hammer
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Ron White – 2000 & 2002 … Javelin
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Mick Viken – 2012, 2013 & 2014 … Pole Vault
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Peter Geraghty – 2014 … Pole Vault
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WOMEN'S (AIAW & NCAA DIVISION I)
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Gayle Brandon – 1981 … Long Jump (AIAW)
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Jade Riebold – 2012 & 2013 … Pole Vault (Division I)
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NAIA & NCAA DIVISION II
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Toni Ababio – 1975 & 1976 … Long Jump
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Toni Ababio – 1975 & 1976 … Triple Jump
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John Barron – 1974 … High Jump
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Darrell Brown – 1972, 1973 & 1974 … Long Jump
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Gerard Byrne – 1976 & 1977 … Pole Vault
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Terry Carpenter – 1977 … Long Jump
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Jose De Sola – 1977 … Long Jump
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Charles Hollis – 1977 & 1978 … Triple Jump
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Dan Larson – 1979 … Pole Vault
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Michael Miller – 1976 … Discus
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Phil Stivers – 1976 … Javelin
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William Womack – 1974 … Javelin