Eastern Oregon University Athletics

John Spatz, a Track and Field Coach, left his imprint on Eastern Oregon University’s athletic legacy guiding both the Men’s and Women’s Track and Field programs from 1990 to 2002 as the head coach. During his time as coach, EOU Track and Field boasted 4 national champions, 33 indoor All-Americans, 24 Outdoor All-Americans, and 18 NAIA Scholar-Athlete All-Americans. Furthermore, Coach Spatz made history by coaching the first female National Champion in EOU history, Kristen Peterson, in the women’s pole vault. His leadership extended beyond coaching as he assumed the presidency of the NAIA Track and Field Coach Association from 1999 to 2001. He also served as the head coach for EOU’s Alpine Ski Team from 1991-2001. Today, John resides in Cheney, Washington with his spouse Cindy, and is a proud parent to Micah and Rachael. He continues to coach and has been the Head Track and Field Coach at Spokane Community College since 2018.