The Legacy of Nebraska Cornhuskers Track and Field
The Nebraska Cornhuskers track and field teams boast a rich history, marked by numerous conference championships, individual national titles, and Olympic participation. Representing the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, these teams compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Big Ten Conference.
Program Overview
Founded in 1889, the men's program holds the distinction of being Nebraska's first varsity sport. The women's team was established later, in 1976. Together, they have built a legacy of excellence.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers men's and women's track and field teams compete as part of NCAA Division I, representing the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the Big Ten Conference.
Conference and National Success
NU's men's team has won thirty-eight indoor and thirty-one outdoor conference championships. The men’s program has produced thirty-six individual national champions. The women have won twenty-four indoor and eighteen outdoor conference championships with thirty-seven national champions.
Nebraska's only three team national titles came in the early 1980s in women's indoor competition, led by Jamaican sprinter and nine-time Olympic medalist Merlene Ottey.
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Coaching History
Gary Pepin retired in 2022 after four decades as Nebraska's head coach. Justin St. was appointed head coach.
Facilities
Nebraska has hosted indoor meets at the Bob Devaney Sports Center (originally the NU Sports Complex) since its construction in 1976. The facility, renovated in 2000 and 2011, can host 5,000 spectators.
For decades, Nebraska hosted outdoor meets at Ed Weir Stadium, located just northeast of Memorial Stadium. It was demolished in 2019 to make room for the Osborne Legacy Complex. The program moved to an unnamed, incomplete facility on Nebraska Innovation Campus, though it has not hosted any meets as permanent seating has yet to be installed.
Notable Awards
Several coaches and athletes have received recognition for their achievements.
- Midwest Region coach of the year: Gary Pepin (2009, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019), Justin St.
- Conference athlete of the year: Burger Lambrechts Jr.
Olympic Representation
Fifty-one Nebraska track and field athletes have combined to compete in seventy-two Olympic Games, winning nineteen medals.
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Historical Affiliations and Conference Evolution
In 1928, the ten member schools of the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association agreed to a splintering of the conference - Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma retained the MVIAA name and Drake, Grinnell, Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State), and Washington University formed the Missouri Valley Conference. The MVIAA became commonly known as the Big Six, and later the Big Seven and Big Eight.
National Champions
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have a storied tradition of producing individual national champions in track and field. These athletes have achieved the pinnacle of collegiate success, showcasing their talent and dedication on the national stage.
Men's Indoor National Champions
- 55 meters:
- Triple jump:
- 55 meters hurdles:
- Shot put:
- High jump:
- Distance medley relay:
- Long jump:
Men's Outdoor National Champions
- 100 meters:
- 200 meters:
- Shot put:
- Pole vault:
- Mile run:
- Discus throw:
- 800 meters:
- Triple jump:
- Long jump:
- 400 meters hurdles:
- 110 meters hurdles:
Women's Indoor National Champions
- 55 meters:
- Long jump:
- 55 meters hurdles:
- 500 meters:
- 400 meters:
- Triple jump:
- Shot put:
- 60 meters hurdles:
- Mile run:
- Pentathlon:
Women's Outdoor National Champions
- 100 meters:
- 4 × 100 meters relay:
- 200 meters:
- Javelin throw:
- 100 meters hurdles:
- 400 meters hurdles:
- 800 meters:
- Triple jump:
- 400 meters:
- Long jump:
- Shot put:
- Discus throw:
- 1500 meters:
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