Cross Country and Track & Field Alumni Reunion Weekend
Alumni, family, and friends are invited to campus September 13-14 for a celebration of women’s and men’s cross country and track & field at Grinnell College, along with a special celebration of Evelyn and Will Freeman who are retiring as head coaches after the 2019-20 season.
Join us for a fun-filled weekend cheering on runners at the annual Les Duke invitational on Saturday and connecting with current student-athletes, parents, coaches, and your fellow alumni. We will cap off the weekend Saturday evening with a dinner honoring the Freemans. The full schedule of weekend activities can be found below.
Please register with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations below or via phone at 866-850-1846 by Wednesday, Aug. 28.
A Fond Freeman Farewell
Will and Evelyn Freeman have guided, mentored, and taught thousands of student-athletes over the last four decades. Both began coaching at the College in 1980. Will’s cross country teams have won an astounding 29 Midwest Conference titles over the last 33 seasons. He’s also coached three conference winning track squads. In 2010, Will was named the NCAA Division III Central Region Coach of the Year.
An associate professor at Grinnell, Will teaches courses in the Foundations of Sports Psychology and Sport Sociology. He is a former national chairman for coaching education for USA Track & Field. A much sought-after clinician speaking at clinics both around the U.S. and internationally, he has also written three books, many articles, and 19 training videos for coaches of all levels.
Evelyn’s teams have won 17 cross country championships, starting with her first year as a coach in 1980. She also has led the Pioneers to two indoor track titles, and one outdoor track crown. She has guided several All-American athletes and Academic All-Americans, and eight times has been named Midwest Conference Coach of the Year in cross country.
In the classroom, Evelyn is an assistant professor, teaching Wellness I and Wellness II, as well as the aerobics physical education activities classes. During the summers, Freeman is often invited to be a guest speaker at various track and field coaching clinics throughout the country.
Will and Evelyn both champion an athlete-centered approach where student-athletes have an open two-way dialogue with them. “Our roles are those of teachers, to show them the way. But then we get out of the way,” Will said in a 2008 feature story in Runner’s World.
Accommodations
For your convenience, room blocks have been reserved at the following hotels:
Comfort Inn and Suites: (641) 715-9752
Country Inn and Suites: (641) 236-9600
Please mention “Cross Country/Track and Field” when you call to receive a special rate of $80 + tax per night. There are a limited number of rooms available on a first come, first serve basis.
Tentative Schedule
Friday, September 13
8 p.m.
Informal Gathering
Hotel Grinnell
Saturday, September 14
10 a.m.
Les Duke Invitational
Grinnell College Golf Course
12:15 p.m.
Athletic Facilities Tour
Led by former Athletic Director Dee Fairchild
Departs from Natatorium Lobby
1 p.m.
Public Retirement Reception
Darby Gymnasium
6 p.m.
Dinner
Quad Dining Hall
Online registrations for this event are now closed. Please call to register at 866-850-1846.