** During the month of July, EIUPanthers.com looks back at 14 events, moments and players that helped shape the 2025-26 academic year. **
 
Eastern Illinois men's track and field returned to the top of the team podium as the Panthers captured the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championship.

The Championship was the 18th overall outdoor trophy for the men's program and first since the 2021 season.  Head coach James Gildon was named the OVC Men's Coach of the Year.

EIU finished the championship with 204 points followed by Southeast Missouri in second with 186.50 and Little Rock in third place.  

Over the course of three days EIU had several individuals and relay teams collect medals.

Gold Medal
Shawn Lacy - Javelin
Alex Stout - Shot Put
Maliek Bush - Long Jump
Cale Smith - Steeplechase

Silver Medal
Teegan Simmons - Javelin
4x100 Relay
Ayden Cothern - 200 meter 
Alex Stout - Hammer Throw
Jacob Maxwell - Discus

Bronze Medal
Maliek Bush - Javelin
Jacob Maxwell - Shot Put
Ayden Cothern - 100 meter
Weston Averkamp - 400 hurdles
Enoch Appiah-Kubi - Triple Jump
Teegan Simmons - Discus
Machi Nelson - High Jump 

Year In Review
No. 14 - EIU Gives Back In The Community
No. 13 - Will Klein Pitches In World Series
No. 12 - EIU Spring Fling Event Returns To Campus
No. 11 - EIU Plays Memorable Opponents 
No. 10 - EIU's OVC Coaches of the Year
No. 9 - EIU's OVC Players of the Year
No. 8 - EIU Dedicates Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym
No. 7 - EIU Dedicates Frost Field For Baseball
No. 6 - EIU Individuals and Teams Set Records