Rynearson Stadium · Eastern Michigan University Campus Building

Building Name

Rynearson Stadium

Description

The first game played in Rynearson Stadium was Sept. 27, 1969, when EMU upset the University of Akron, 10-3. The stadium was dedicated a few weeks later on Oct. 25, 1969, when EMU lost, 17-7, to the University of Tampa. Just over two million fans have seen EMU play in Rynearson. In 21 of the 40 years, Eastern has averaged more than 11,000 fans per home date. The 1995 season proved to be the record-breaking year for Rynearson Stadium attendance. A single-game record crowd of 25,009 was on hand, Sept. 16, 1996, to watch the Eagles dismantle UNLV, 51-6. That four-game '95 season also proved to be a best for season average attendance of 22,602.

Namesake Biography

Elton J. "Rynie" Rynearson (April 7, 1893-February 8, 1967) was born in Three Oaks, Michigan, in the southwest corner of Berrien County, the fourth of six children born to a Civil War Veteran. He married Ester L. Oberlin on September 2, 1926. The family moved to Ypsilanti in 1908, and Rynearson enrolled in Ypsilanti High School, playing three sports before graduating in 1911. He went on to college but left to pursue a professional baseball career. The Detroit Tigers brought him in from the Canadian League and sent him to Texas to play baseball. He also played in the Southern Michigan League until he injured his arm in 1916. He returned to EMU and served as assistant to Coach Elmer D. Mitchell. During World War I, Rynearson joined the Army; leaving school yet again to serve his country. Upon the signing of the armistice, Rynearson returned to EMU coaching through the 1920 season, leaving yet again for the University of Michigan Medical School, and a coaching position at Highland Park High School. In 1925 Rynearson returned to EMU as the football coach, a position he held for 24 years. After retiring from coaching in 1949, he served as athletic director and was a professor of anatomy and physiology at EMU. He was awarded the Willie Heston Award from the Detroit Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Eastern Michigan University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Building Namesake

Elton J. Rynearson, Football Coach and Athletic Director, 26 Seasons

Year Constructed

1969

Date Dedicated

25 Oct 1969

Building Functions

Athletic Stadium

Builder

Turner Construction Company

Original Cost

$1,450,000

Architectural Style

Sports Stadium

Rights

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the owner, Eastern Michigan University Archives (lib_archives@emich.edu).