Saturday, former Eastern triple jumper and assistant coach John Craft had his jersey retired at the EIU Mega Meet held in Lantz Fieldhouse.

Craft, who attended Eastern from 1965 to 1969, was one of the most successful athletes to ever compete in Eastern track and field, winning three national championships during his senior season.

Craft finished third at the NCAA University Division Championships, and was the first Eastern Illinois University Division-I All-American. To this day, Craft still holds the school’s outdoor triple jump record, as well as one of the top ten indoor triple jump records.

After graduating from Eastern, Craft went on to win numerous AAU indoor and outdoor competitions, as well as competing in the 1972 Munich Olympics, where he placed fifth in the triple jump.

Craft was later offered a job by then track and field coach, and Eastern hall of fame member, Pat O’Brien. Craft accepted the job as an assistant coach and remained with the team until he retired in 2002.

President William Perry and Tom Akers, director of track and field, presented a special jersey and plaque to Craft at the meet Saturday. A banner honoring John Craft appears on the northwest corner wall of the Lantz Fieldhouse.

“I’m speechless and overjoyed,” Craft said after receiving his honor.

John Craft becomes only the seventh Eastern athlete to have a jersey retired. Craft becomes the first track and field athlete to have a jersey retired.

Craft said he felt honored to be in the same category as the six other athletes who have also had their jerseys retired.

“To be in the same class as these outstanding men and women, it’s really an honor,” Craft said.

As well as having his jersey retired, Craft will also be honored with the EIU Mega Meet being renamed to the John Craft Invitational.

Craft said it was a tremendous honor to have a meet named after him.

Craft spoke highly of former track and field coach Pat O’Brien, calling him his mentor. Craft said it was O’Brien who really nurtured his talent and helped him to go on and be successful. Craft said O’Brien taught him the values of loyalty, honesty, integrity, and instilled a competitive nature in him.

Craft also got a chance to take a look at the current Eastern track and field team and was very impressed with what he saw.

Craft said the team looked excellent and well coached by head coach Tom Akers. Craft said the team can make another run at an Ohio Valley Conference championship and said he feels confident that the team can win it.

After receiving his honor, Craft joined the Panther track and field team in the middle of the fieldhouse for a breakout, led by Craft.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7944 or dcrenzetti@eiu.edu.

John Craft, a former triple jumper for Eastern from 1965 until 1969, reacts when he is told the EIU Mega Meet is being renamed the John Craft Invitational Saturday during his uniform retiring presentation in the Lantz Field House. (Danny Damiani

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