Men’s track recruits Sean Wiggan and Reid Basting have more in common than running track and attending Eastern; both recruits wanted to attend different universities.

They attribute their change of heart to head track coach Tom Akers’ persistent recruitment.

Wiggan, a Waubonsie Valley middle distance runner, had his mind on attending Illinois State, until Akers contacted him, and persuaded him to visit Eastern.

“(Akers) wouldn’t stop talking to me,” Wiggan said. “I kept telling him ‘no’ but his persistence influenced me.”

When Wiggan visited Eastern, he was impressed with O’Brien Stadium’s crowd presence during the Illinois High School Association State Championship last month. The reputation of Eastern’s middle distance team also helped change his mind.

“We have one of the most strong middle distance runners in the Midwest,” Akers said. “He will be in a great group to push him to succeed.”

Wiggan will compete at nationals in Greenville, N.C. on Thursday and he said he will continue to train throughout the summer.

Normal West’s Basting was considering on going to either University of Illinois-Chicago or Loyola. Akers contacted the sprinter constantly, and developed a strong relationship.

“Akers would call me and stay in contact,” Basting said.

“I thought he really cared.”

Basting said Eastern had better facilities than the Chicago universities and that Eastern’s campus is very scenic for when he wants to run during his free time.

Basting’s performance during the indoor track season was what sparked Akers interest.

Akers said when recruiting, coaches have to look into the future because most athletes have to adjust to college track.

He said not only is the sport physically different compared to high school, student-athletes have to get used to lifestyle changes.

Akers also said athletes’ different learning curves play a factor during intercollegiate seasons.

“Some state champions struggle for a year or two while average athletes can excel,” Akers said.

Akers said recruitment has gone well despite losing a throwing recruit and that the team is short at those events.

Other prospects are close to signing letters of intent, Akers said.

The Panthers are fairly young with many returning sophomores and juniors with only four seniors graduating last year, Akers continued.

Bob Bajek can be reached at 581-7944 or at rtbajek@eiu.edu.

Waubonsie Valley senior, Sean Wiggan, runs the anchor leg of the 4x400m relay at the IHSA state track meet. (Erin Matheny/The Daily Eastern News)

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