CHAMPAIGN, IL – An initiative started by many of his former track and field and cross country athletes has resulted in the Gary R. Wieneke Track, with the naming approved today by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. The new track surface recognizes the legendary coach's legacy after Wieneke led Illinois to 13 Big Ten Championships (12 in track and field, one in cross country) and four NCAA Indoor Championship trophies during his 36 years as a head coach from 1967 to 2003.
Gary R. Wieneke Track is part of the Demirjian Park project that will also include a new soccer facility. Demolition of the current track facility will commence in the summer of 2019. Though the team will be without an outdoor home in 2020, it will be completed in time to host the 2021 Big Ten Championships.
As the Demirjian Park plans got underway, several former Illini track and field and cross country athletes began working toward naming the track after their coach. Fundraising efforts continue and a reunion of Coach Wieneke's former athletes is planned for April 13 in Champaign.
Wieneke's best run at the helm came from 1985-95 when the Illini placed in the top three 20 times in 22 Big Ten meets. As a result of putting Illinois track in the national spotlight, Wieneke played a major role in the UI twice hosting the outdoor NCAA Championships meet at Memorial Stadium in 1977 and 1979. Known as the "Einstein of the 800 meters," Wieneke made the Illini a Big Ten and national power in the middle distances, most noticeably in the half-mile and mile. He coached 11 different half-milers to 27 Big Ten titles.
Before taking over as head coach of the Illinois track and field and cross country programs, Wieneke spent seven seasons leading the Illinois cross country program. In addition to their success while donning the Orange and Blue, Wieneke guided four of his athletes to Olympic appearances: Craig Virgin (1976, 1980, 1984), Marko Koers (1992, 1996, 2000), Mike Durkin (1976, 1980) and Bobby True (2000).
In 1989, Wieneke coached the U.S. Junior National Team. Retiring at the end of the 2002-03 season, Wieneke was a nine-time NCAA District IV Coach of the Year, was named the NCAA National Indoor Track and Field Coach of the Year in 1987 and garnered three Big Ten Outdoor Coach of the Year honors. Wieneke has been inducted into the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Association (USTFCCCA), Drake Relays, Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association and the East Moline High School Halls of Fame. Wieneke and his wife, Peggy, reside in Champaign.
