Elmore Banton (1973) - Hall of Fame

Elmore Banton

Induction:
1973
Class:
1965

Elmore Banton was Ohio University’s second national champion in history. He won the 1964 NCAA individual cross-country championship with a time of 20:07.5. Banton was a two-time All-American in cross-country in 1964 and 1965; two-time All-Ohio champion the same two years; Ohio University Athlete of the Year for 1964-65; and led the Bobcats to third place in the nation, the highest national finish ever for an Ohio University cross-country team. He was All-MAC in cross-country in 1964 and 1965 and won the MAC individual title in 1965. He lettered three years in cross-country and two in track. He is a veteran of the US Army and a member of the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame.

Welcome back, Coach Banton!

It was honor to have 1964 National Champion and Ohio legend Mo Banton back on the track today! pic.twitter.com/YVcG8U4oDG
— Ohio Bobcats (@OhioBobcats) April 15, 2022

"If you were gonna beat me, I was gonna make you hurt" -Mo Banton. Hear more about this legendary runner's time at OU now! ?? @ohioxctf pic.twitter.com/HhvYU1e3dk
— Ohio Bobcats (@OhioBobcats) October 8, 2022

The 1964 Cross Country Team was crowned with an All-Ohio Championship and a MAC title.

The Bobcats qualified for the 1964 NCAA championships, where Elmore "Mo" Banton became the national champion.

The @nytimes article on the squad ??https://t.co/XyOww5cKUr pic.twitter.com/8bNQVP3eT0
— Ohio Bobcats (@OhioBobcats) September 8, 2022