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** During the month of July, EIUPanthers.com will take a look back at 13 events, moments and players that helped shape the 2021-22 academic year. **

Eastern Illinois runner Dustin Hatfield placed 77th at the NCAA Cross Country National Championships in the fall of 2021 as he became the second highest EIU finisher at the National Championships in school history.

Hatfield, the Ohio Valley Conference Runner of the Year, posted a 10K time of 29:59.9 at the Apalachee State Park course with the meet hosted by Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla.

Hatfield was the third EIU runner in the Panthers Division I era to qualify for the NCAA National Championships joining Jason Bailka (2000 & 2001) and Todd Moroney (1997).   

Joe Sheeran was EIU's highest finisher in school history placing 18th at nationals in 1977.

Hatfield earned All-Midwest Region honors with his finish at the NCAA Midwest Regional on Nov. 12, his second career All-Region honor. 
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2021-22 EIU Athletics Year In Review
No. 13 - Lauren Doyle Makes Second Olympic Appearance
No. 12 - Bob Thomas Named to CSCAA Top 100 College Swimmers List
No. 11 – EIU Adds Beach Volleyball As 21st Intercollegiate Sport
No. 10 – EIU Hires New Head Coaches