Eastern Michigan University opened its doors more in 1853 as Michigan State Normal School. Its purpose was to train teachers. Although its Ypsilanti campus continues to produce a lion's share of state teachers, it now includes four other colleges and a graduate school, all of which serve about 25,000 students.

Amid its growth. EMU has garnered accolades in extracurricular activities, in particular its track and field and cross country programs.

From its first track team in 1892 and initial cross team 19 years later, Eastern has won conference, state and national individual and team titles. Its 2007 men's indoor and outdoor track and cross teams all won Mid-American Conference championships. The Eagles have produced a remarkable share of Olympians and Olympic trials qualifiers.

"We've had rich tradition in track and cross country since the early 1900s," said current men's cross and distance coach John Goodridge. "We've had an Olympian every Olympiad since 1960."

The tradition began when EMU track coach Lloyd Warner Olds was named an assistant U.S. Olympic team coach in 1932. Sixteen years later, he served as U.S. team manager.

Two Eastern track athletes, Abe Rosencrantz in the 800 meters and Kenneth "Red" Simmons in the 400 hurdles, missed making the 1936 Olympic team (the infamous Berlin Games) by narrow margins. Each finished fourth in their event, with only the top three becoming Olympians. Simmons also ran in the 1932 trials semifinals and later became a renowned coach for women tracksters. The pair paved the road for more than 20 other EMU thinclads who qualified for trials. At least 14 have represented the U.S. or other countries in the Games themselves.

The pair paved the road for more than 20 other EMU thinclads who qualified for trials. At least 14 have represented the U.S. or other countries in the Games themselves.

Trials qualifiers have included Sue Parks and Mark Dailey (both 800 meters), P.J. Osika and Andrea Bowman (both 1500 meters and later married to each other), Bill Tipton and Jerry Cerulla (high hurdles), Virgie Bullie (200), Mark Smith and Jordan Desilets (steeplechase), Mike Franko and Gary Reffitt (marathon) and Bill Barrett (pole vault).

Alum Cindy Barber-Keeler is the only woman to qualify for and participate in each women's marathon trials since their inception in 1984.

Clint Verran placed fifth in the 2004 Olympic marathon trials and ran them again last November in New York City.

Bob Parks, EMU track and cross coach from 1967 to 2000, had at least one athlete in every Olympics during that time.

Ten Eastern athletes have represented other nations as Olympians. They include: Hasley Crawford of Trinidad (100 meters, 1972-84, gold medalist in 1976); Sevatheda Fynes, Bahamas (4x100, silver medal in 1996 and gold in 200); Dave Ellis, Canada, 1968 (5,000 and 10,000 meters); Tony Nelson, Canada, 1972 (high hurdles); Dazel Jules, Trinidad, 1988 (400 meters); Tommy Asinga, Suriname, 1988-96 (800 meters); Clement Chukwa, Nigeria, 1996 (400 meters); Nduka Awazie, Nigeria, 2000 (400 meters); Greg Rhymer, British West Indies, 1996 (800 meters); and Fabian Rollins, Barbados, 2000 (400 meters).

U.S. teams have included four athletes from EMU: Hayes Jones (high hurdles, bronze in 1960 and gold in 1964); Earl Jones (800 meters, bronze in 1984); Paul McMullen, 1996 (1500 meters); and Jamie Nieto, 2005 (high jump).

"Paul (McMullen) won the U.S. Trials in 1996 and ran in the Olympics in Atlanta," noted Parks. "He made the semifinals and was the fastest non- qualifier for the finals ever."

Tokyo gold-medalist Hayes Jones said, "Eastern has always had a tradition. There have been only four track coaches. That says a lot about the tradition. They bring their experience, maintaining that culture (of excellence).

"I had someone there -- coach George Marshall, a father figure -- who could speak to me about previous athletes, especially hurdlers, who came within meters of making the Olympics," Jones continued.

"I learned the histories of other EMU athletes and met some of those individuals. They had a huge impact on my athletic career and my life."

More than once Jones used the words "together" and "legacy." He received "training and inspiration ... I could use that to encourage me in my pursuit."

The 2008 track trials are coming up, and least three EMU athletes are determined to keep this tradition intact. If past is indeed prologue, don't count them out.

Ron Marinucci can be reached by e-mail at ron_marinucci@comcast.net.