Eastern Michigan Athletics
Olds-Marshall-Parks Track
The Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics officially opened the newly renovated Olds-Marshall-Parks Track and Field Complex on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, marking a significant milestone for EMU’s track and field and cross country programs. The grand opening, held during homecoming weekend, brought together student-athletes, alumni, donors, and university leadership to celebrate a facility years in the making. The project was the second phase of EMU Athletics’ Championship Building Plan, which aims to provide student-athletes with state-of-the-art training and competition venues.
The construction of the outdoor track and field complex was made possible by generous contributions from former EMU athletes and university supporters. Dan McClory and Keith Moore, both four-year teammates in EMU cross country and track under legendary Head Coach Bob Parks, contributed $2 million. Additional major gifts included $1 million from EMU football alum Maxx Crosby and his wife, former EMU soccer athlete Rachel Crosby, and a $2.5 million commitment from EMU Regent Emeritus Phil Incarnati. These donations, combined with university funding, enabled EMU to deliver a modern and dedicated venue for its track and field programs.
The new facility features a complete outdoor track installed behind Westview Drive, providing a surface optimized for both training and competition. The infield has been designed specifically for field events, including long jump, triple jump, pole vault, and high jump areas, ensuring all aspects of track and field are supported. A state-of-the-art throws cage was added in 2025 to accommodate shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin events safely and effectively. Plans also include a dedicated power and weight area for athletes to enhance on-site strength training and conditioning. The facility will be fully enclosed with fencing and concrete installation by 2026, and a dedicated storage building and ceremonial entry columns will be completed to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
The Olds-Marshall-Parks Track honors three pillars of EMU track and field history. Lloyd W. Olds, a long-serving faculty member, coach, and athletic director, laid the foundation for intramural and varsity athletics. George Marshall, Olds’ assistant coach and later head coach, led EMU to state titles in 1947 and 1948 and earned national recognition from the New York Times in 1947 and 1951. Bob Parks, a former EMU athlete and head coach for 34 years, amassed 26 Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year awards and led EMU to 45 MAC titles. Their collective legacy is embedded in the facility, connecting past achievements to EMU athletics' future.
The complex is now capable of hosting both collegiate and regional competitions, providing fully dedicated surfaces for sprinting, distance running, hurdles, and field events. Athletes benefit from modern amenities, including specialized equipment storage, secure fencing, and high-quality throwing and jumping surfaces. The addition of the facility strengthens EMU’s recruitment efforts, enhances athlete safety, and supports year-round training, even during inclement weather or high-traffic competition periods.
The construction of the outdoor track and field complex was made possible by generous contributions from former EMU athletes and university supporters. Dan McClory and Keith Moore, both four-year teammates in EMU cross country and track under legendary Head Coach Bob Parks, contributed $2 million. Additional major gifts included $1 million from EMU football alum Maxx Crosby and his wife, former EMU soccer athlete Rachel Crosby, and a $2.5 million commitment from EMU Regent Emeritus Phil Incarnati. These donations, combined with university funding, enabled EMU to deliver a modern and dedicated venue for its track and field programs.
The new facility features a complete outdoor track installed behind Westview Drive, providing a surface optimized for both training and competition. The infield has been designed specifically for field events, including long jump, triple jump, pole vault, and high jump areas, ensuring all aspects of track and field are supported. A state-of-the-art throws cage was added in 2025 to accommodate shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin events safely and effectively. Plans also include a dedicated power and weight area for athletes to enhance on-site strength training and conditioning. The facility will be fully enclosed with fencing and concrete installation by 2026, and a dedicated storage building and ceremonial entry columns will be completed to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
The Olds-Marshall-Parks Track honors three pillars of EMU track and field history. Lloyd W. Olds, a long-serving faculty member, coach, and athletic director, laid the foundation for intramural and varsity athletics. George Marshall, Olds’ assistant coach and later head coach, led EMU to state titles in 1947 and 1948 and earned national recognition from the New York Times in 1947 and 1951. Bob Parks, a former EMU athlete and head coach for 34 years, amassed 26 Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year awards and led EMU to 45 MAC titles. Their collective legacy is embedded in the facility, connecting past achievements to EMU athletics' future.
The complex is now capable of hosting both collegiate and regional competitions, providing fully dedicated surfaces for sprinting, distance running, hurdles, and field events. Athletes benefit from modern amenities, including specialized equipment storage, secure fencing, and high-quality throwing and jumping surfaces. The addition of the facility strengthens EMU’s recruitment efforts, enhances athlete safety, and supports year-round training, even during inclement weather or high-traffic competition periods.
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