The History of Emporia State University Track & Field: A Legendary Tradition

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 individual excellence. ESU’s legendary program began in 1902 and with the exception of two years during WWII has continued for over 110 years. ESU has won one national track and field championship, winning the 1964 NAIA National Outdoor Track and Field Championship, to go along with five national cross country titles. ESU has had an amazing eight different athletes set World Records plus a distance medley relay team that set a World Record! John Kuck, a Hornet in the 1920s, won the gold medal in the shot put at the 1928 Olympic Games. Archie San Romani competed in the 1936 Olympic Games while still competing for Emporia State and finished fourth. After his career at Emporia State, Allan Feuerbach had 4th and 5th place finishes in the 1972 and 1976 Olympics. The ESU men have won an outstanding 39 individual national championships. Kathy Devine set collegiate and American records in the shot put throwing for the Lady Hornets. The ESU women have won an amazing 21 national championships.