It is an understatement to call Obe Eruteya a track star.

The senior from Chicago can flat out jump.

He cleared six feet ten inches at the first meet this season, head coach Tom Akers said.

According to Akers, as well as teammate Brenton Emanuel, Eruteya is highly competitive and likes to win at pretty much everything, a motto that has led him to multiple All-Ohio Valley Conference honors.

"If I’m not first, I’m last," Eruteya said.

Akers believes in Eruteya, he has speed that a coach would like to see in all of his athletes. With Eruteya you can always get a solid performance, says Akers.

"His goals of being an NCAA All-American are within reach," Akers said. "He has to stay focused with all types of distractions."

Add to that list of distractions a event coach in JaRod Tobler. Tobler has quickly noticed that Eruteya is passionate both on the field and in the classroom, proven leader on this year’s Panther squad.

"He is competitive all the time and is always on top of things," Tobler said.

Emanuel said Eruteya is pretty outgoing. Eruteya is smart, always wants to win and brings that certain edge that the team lacks.

"He (Eruteya) is mild-mannered, has a good head on his shoulders," Emanuel said. "There is no reason why Eruteya should not be at Nationals. It is a young team, but Eastern can qualify some other people for the NCAA Regional."

Eruteya hopes that when all is said and done, his goals of being an All-American and reaching the top five in the nation become reality.

Last season Eruteya just missed matching the school record in the high jump but one inch. His outdoor mark it the triple jump was the fourth best in EIU history on a list headed by former Olympian John Craft as he finished seventh at the NCAA Regional.

Eruteya said four years feels like a long time, but before you know it, time is up.

"I will take with me all the memories," Eruteya said.

Story by Israel Carrillo - EIU Sports Information Intern