EOSC to dedicate athletic training center in honor of longtime coach

WILBURTON, OK (Jan. 10, 2020) – Eastern Oklahoma State College will dedicate a renovated athletic training center to honor the memory and legacy of former track and field coach Glen Stone. The dedication ceremony for the "Glen Stone Athletic Training Center" is set for Friday, Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the C.C. Dunlap Field House in Wilburton.

Eastern President Dr. Stephen E. Smith said Stone, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 83, became a local and national coaching legend in the track and field community during his 20-year tenure at Eastern. Between 1968 and 1988, Stone won 10 junior college national championships, was named the NJCAA Coach of the Year six times and coached 192 All-Americans.

"Coach Stone's impressive record speaks for itself, but the reality is he touched the lives of countless student-athletes during his lifetime and both his personal and professional legacy will have a lasting influence on the Eastern community," Smith said. "Throughout his entire life, Coach Stone always placed a high importance on strength, physical activity and overall fitness for a healthy lifestyle. I think he would be pleased to see that this athletic training center will help support that advocacy for many student-athletes in years to come."

The 4,800-square-foot training center is located inside the west end of the C.C. Dunlap Field House. The existing facility was completely renovated this fall, including new HVAC units, flooring, windows, LED lighting, paint and new strength and training equipment.

Eastern Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Matt Parker said the new space will support all athletic teams at Eastern, including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball and cheerleading.

"This facility is an exciting addition to our athletics program," Parker said. "Eastern will now have arguably the best training center in our conference. Not only will it enhance our student-athlete's experience, it will also assist our coaches in an increasingly competitive recruiting environment."

Smith said the renovations were made possible by the generosity of various private donors, including family, friends, alumni, Eastern employees, former athletes and private businesses.

"We are deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible for us to add these much-needed improvements to our athletic program while at the same time providing a well-deserved naming recognition for an honorable man," Smith said. "We are proud to have Coach Stone's name associated with Eastern and we appreciate this special tribute on behalf of Glen's wife, Joyce, and the rest of the Stone family."

A 1953 graduate of McAlester High School, Stone was a gifted athlete who competed in football, basketball, baseball and track for the Buffaloes. He graduated with academic and athletic scholarships and continued his education at Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma.

Throughout his 40-year career, Stone left a lasting legacy at each of the high schools, colleges and universities where he served as a teacher, coach or athletic director. He left his mark in Edmond, McAlester and Shawnee, as well as Eastern, OBU and the University of Nebraska. At his alma mater, he led the McAlester High School track and field team to a state runner-up finish in 1966 and state championships in 1967 and 1968.

His track and field accomplishments led him to be recognized with a number of honors. He has been named to several Halls of Fame, including NJCAA Track Coaches Association, Oklahoma Coaches Association, Oklahoma Baptist University and McAlester High School.