EWU track and field’s Lawson Van Kuren dies

After a battle with cancer, longtime Eastern Washington University track and field official and 1966 graduate Lawson Van Kuren died Friday. He was 73.

He and his surviving wife of more than 50 years, Ruth, have been involved with track and field for more than 40 years, including as Eastern track and field officials for more than 30. They were also organizers of the Cheney Track Club for 35 years. As a result of their lifelong contributions, they will be honored in October as recipients of the Eastern Athletics Hall of Fame Service and Contribution Award.

“Their contribution to track and field in our community will never be matched,” said Eastern women’s track and field coach Marcia Mecklenburg.

Lawson served as Meet Director for the Big Sky Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 2006 that were held in Cheney, and was honorary meet director when the meet returned to Roos Field in 2015.

They have worked at the WIAA State Track and Field Championships that have taken place at EWU every year since 1996.