The Eastern athletic department has found a new Director of Track and Field. 

Starting Sept. 3, Keith Roberts will take over the role leading the men’s and women’s track and field teams.

The athletic department released a statement Monday afternoon announcing the hiring of Roberts, in which Eastern Athletic Director Tom Michael spoke about the decision.

“We are excited to welcome Keith and his family to EIU,” Michael said in the statement.  “Keith will build a culture reflective of the successes of the student-athletes in the track program while they prepare to be successful after they graduate from EIU.”

Roberts comes to Eastern from Pitt, where he served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the last six seasons. Prior to that, he was an assistant at Grand Valley State. 

He also spoke via the statement. 

“I am honored to be named the next Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Eastern Illinois University,” he said. “I’m excited to get started and look forward to helping the student-athletes grow athletically and academically.” 

Roberts replaces Brenton Emanuel, who was highly decorated during his time at Eastern. 

Emanuel was named OVC Men’s Outdoor Track Coach of the Year in both 2019 and 2021 and OVC Men’s Indoor Track Coach of the year in 2020. 

He also led the outdoor men’s team to conference titles in both 2019 and 2021 and an indoor title in 2020. 

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