1977 NCAA-II National Champions
1977 Eastern Illinois University Cross Country Team Summary
In 1977, the Panthers competed against more than 90 different colleges and universities across the United States (many of whom earned national recognition). Only two teams beat the Panthers. Illinois, who later tied for 2nd in the Big 10, nipped Eastern by 7 points in the State Championships. Big 10 Champs Wisconsin squeaked a 2 point dual victory against the Big Blue of EIU. Wisconsin later finished 6th in NCAA Division I Championships. The Panther upset win in the Notre Dame Invitational was surpassed only by the near-record 37 point NCAA Division II Championship total. Six Panthers (Joe Sheeran, Casey Reinking, John Christy, John McInerney, Duncan McHugh and Bill Bandy) were in the top 24 places thereby becoming the first team in meet history to have six All-Americans in the same race. One week later, Joe Sheeran, runner-up in the Division II race, placed 18th (10th American) in the NCAA Division I Nationals in Spokane, Washington. Fellow coaches voted Tom Woodall as National NCAA Division II Cross Country Coach of the Year for the second time in the past three years.
1977 EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CROSS COUNTRY TEAM NCAA II NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
First Row: Tom Wilson, Bill Reimer, Jeff Wagner, Joe Klein, Paul Weilmeunster, John Dickey, Mike Caddick, Jim Hill, Mike Prizy, Paul Wilhite, CaseyReinking.
Second Row: Coach Tom Woodall, Duncan McHugh, Jase Travis, Bob Feller, Rick Goff, Joe Sheeran, Dave Klemann, Bill Hauke, Pat Hodge, Reo Rorem,Bill Nohmer, Harold Siefert.
Third Row: John McInerney, Ken Englert, Bill Fancher, John Christy, Terry Donahue, Ted Broderick, Mike Hatfield, tom Goodrich, Larry Schuldt, Bill Bandy, Bill James, Asst. Coach Phil Stivers.
Missing: Mike Moore