Crossing the finish line

For the first time in seven years, the Mountaineer track and field student-athletes competed at home in La Grande on March 16. The team’s home-opener christened EOU’s brand-new track surface and facilities, which were installed last fall with funding from the EOU Foundations’ Building Champions campaign.

Head coach of track and cross-country Ben Welch cut the ceremonial ribbon alongside Athletic Director Anji Weissenfluh and Mountaineer student-athletes.

“This Stadium and Track project has been in the works for years – at least since the time that our track became unusable – and it is not an overstatement to say that it is a game changer for us and for all of eastern Oregon,” Weissenfluh said.

Weissenfluh anticipates hosting youth and high school competitions, as well as community events on a collegiate-standard running surface. Executive Director of Philanthropy and the EOU Foundation Patrick Regan said an additional $650,000 is still needed to reach the campaign’s goal.

Give now at eou.edu/stadium-track!