The Eagles’ supportive eye

To casual spectators, he may seem like only one of the most dedicated Eastern Washington University fans at a given sporting event, but to those who know him, Terry Stratton is that and much more.

For 14 years, Stratton has been a part of the Eastern Washington University family, first earning his undergraduate degree in humanities before turning his attention to physical education as a graduate student. From Newport, Wash., Stratton decided on attending school in Cheney for convenience and economic reasons, as well as the fact that many of his high school peers also made the journey southwest.
However, he emphasized that he was guided by God to attend EWU.

“That’s the inspirational aspect,” Stratton said.

Through it all, Stratton has been a fixture of Eagle athletics, first becoming involved with sporting events after registering for a simple filler class in the winter of 1994.

“I had an evening class, the gospel of Matthew,” Stratton said. “In that class, out of 13 students, two of them were lady basketball players, one was announcer for the games and the instructor had played basketball and it was during the height of basketball season.”

Basketball started the string of events Stratton attended, which now encompasses all team sports. Stratton’s favorite aspect of being in attendance as a fan is supporting the teams, but for him, the games go beyond wins and losses.

“I’m being put in a position to inspire those who are in a greater position to inspire others,” Stratton said.

This season, the athletic world gave back to Stratton for his dedication and love of EWU sports as the women’s soccer team, in their last game, threw him a birthday party.

“The athletic department and the soccer team essentially made that game a birthday party for me,” Stratton said. “I got a new backpack, a bunch of shirts, warm-up pants, a chair and an umbrella to sit under at the soccer match. I thought they would give me a little recognition, but when I went out there and saw all the stuff that was out there, it kind of blew me away.”

With his time as a student nearing its end, Stratton is hoping to remain a mainstay with the athletic department, but as an employee. His vision is to become a performance specialist for EWU.

“I’d do archive work and history, especially for women’s basketball,” Stratton said, referencing Antoinette Dustin, a former coach for the team in the 1920s. “I’d like to do a biography for her and give her the credit that’s due her.”

If anyone is capable of doing that, it’s Stratton, as very few individuals are as devoted to and passionate about their school and athletic teams as he is to Eastern’s.

Story by Dylan Kitzan, professional sports editor. Dylan can be reached by e-mail at dylan@htsports.org.