A History of Football at Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University (EOU), officially designated as Oregon’s Rural University, is a public university located in La Grande, Oregon. Founded in 1929 as a teacher’s college, EOU has evolved into a comprehensive university offering bachelor's and master's degrees. While primarily known for its academic programs, EOU also boasts a rich athletic history, with football playing a significant role in the university's identity. This article explores the history of football at Eastern Oregon University, from its early days to its recent successes.

The Early Years: From Teacher Training to College Athletics

EOU opened its doors in 1929 as Eastern Oregon Normal School, a teacher training school. The first building on campus was Inlow Hall, later incorporating the former Ackerman Elementary School in 1936. The Oregon Legislature changed the name to Eastern Oregon College of Education in 1939, and the words "of Education" were dropped from the college's name in 1956.

As the institution grew, so did its athletic programs. The early years of EOU football likely mirrored the development of the university itself, with humble beginnings and a focus on building a foundation for future success. Unfortunately, detailed records from this era are scarce, but it's safe to assume that the program faced challenges typical of a small, regional college, such as limited funding, facilities, and recruiting opportunities.

Evolution and Growth: Eastern Oregon College and State College

The radio station KEOL started in 1972 and the Hoke College Center was completed the next year. The 1973 Legislature changed EOC's name to Eastern Oregon State College.

During this period, EOU's football program likely experienced periods of growth and change, reflecting the evolving landscape of college athletics. As the college transitioned to a state college, there may have been increased investment in athletics, leading to improved facilities, coaching staff, and player recruitment. However, specific details about the program's performance and key figures during this time remain limited.

Recent History: Eastern Oregon University and Football Program

In 2013, the Oregon University System began the process of creating independent boards for certain schools, including Oregon State and the University of Oregon. On June 30, 2015, the Oregon University System was dissolved, and on July 1, 2015, the Eastern Oregon University Board of Trustees took on governance of the institution.

EOU's location in La Grande is in the heart of the Blue Mountain range. Academic programs at Eastern Oregon University offer the opportunity to learn in a small classroom setting in rural Oregon. With four colleges, students can choose from more than 30 academic programs, including sciences, humanities, teaching, and business. In addition, programs in Agriculture, in cooperation with Oregon State University, and the baccalaureate degree in Nursing through the Oregon Health & Sciences University are offered on this campus.

EOU competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Mountaineers are members of the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) for most sports, while football competes in the Frontier Conference.

Defining Moments: The 2016 Season and National Recognition

Following a historic season that featured a trip to the semifinals of the NAIA Football Championship Series (FCS), the EOU football team earned its highest ranking in program history at No. 4 in the 2016 NAIA Coaches’ Postseason Top 25 Poll.

"I had so much fun this season," said head coach Tim Camp. "We had a great group of young men that bought into what we were selling each day. I am very proud of our seniors, the team, and our coaches for making 2016 one for the record books."

Read also: A Detailed Look at ECNU

EOU finished the season with a school-record 10 wins, finishing second in the Frontier Conference behind No. 7 Montana Tech. On Nov. 19, EOU came away with a 34-28 win over then-ranked No. 7 Doane in its first postseason contest in program history. The Mountaineers followed that up with a stunning 17-0 shutout win over then-ranked No. 1 Marian, the defending national champions. EOU ultimately fell to No. The Blue and Gold tallied a total of 255 points in the poll. Additional ranked conference teams included No. 7 Montana Tech and No. 20 Montana Western.

The 2016 season stands as a watershed moment in EOU football history. The team's remarkable run to the NAIA semifinals, coupled with its highest-ever ranking, brought unprecedented national recognition to the program. This success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including strong leadership from head coach Tim Camp, a talented and dedicated group of players, and a supportive coaching staff. The Mountaineers' victories over highly ranked opponents, including the defending national champions, demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level of NAIA football.

Notable Aspects

Conference Affiliations

Eastern Oregon University's football team has been associated with different conferences throughout its history, reflecting the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. Currently, EOU is a member of the Frontier Conference for football, which is known for its competitive teams and passionate fan bases. The Frontier Conference provides EOU with a platform to compete against other strong programs in the region, fostering rivalries and opportunities for growth.

Coaching Staff

The coaching staff plays a crucial role in the success of any football program. While specific details about past coaches may be limited, it's clear that the leadership and guidance provided by the coaching staff have been instrumental in shaping the program's identity and fostering a winning culture. The coaching staff is responsible for recruiting talented players, developing their skills, and instilling the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Facilities

The quality of athletic facilities can significantly impact a football program's ability to attract and develop talent. While specific details about EOU's football facilities are not readily available, it's likely that the university has invested in improving its facilities over time to provide its student-athletes with a competitive environment. These facilities may include a well-maintained playing field, modern training equipment, and comfortable locker rooms.

Read also: ESU Tuition Guide

Rivalries

Rivalries are an integral part of college football, adding excitement and intensity to the game. EOU likely has established rivalries with other schools in the Frontier Conference, creating memorable matchups and fostering a sense of community among fans. These rivalries not only provide thrilling entertainment but also contribute to the overall atmosphere and tradition of college football.

Community Support

Community support is essential for the success of any college football program. EOU benefits from the passionate support of its alumni, students, and the local community, who attend games, donate to the program, and cheer on the Mountaineers. This support creates a positive and encouraging environment for the team, motivating them to perform at their best and represent the university with pride.

The Future of EOU Football

As Eastern Oregon University continues to evolve, its football program will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities. The program's success will depend on its ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college athletics, recruit talented players, and provide them with the resources they need to succeed. With a strong foundation in place and a commitment to excellence, EOU football has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the years to come.

EOU’s tuition and fees average thousands less than other public and private institutions in the surrounding region. The Economist recently ranked EOU among the best value colleges in the Northwest for return-on-investment. Additionally, EOU offers in-state tuition for Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) residents. Students from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam are eligible for the WUE rate.

The university removed the name Pierce from the library in November 2020, which had been named for former governor Walter M. Pierce and his wife Cornelia Marvin Pierce due to the governor's views on race.

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