The program includes separate men's and women's teams, both of which compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).

The Panthers track teams are currently led by head coach Keith Roberts.

The Eastern Illinois men's track and field team was organized in 1912 and got its first official coach in 1933 in Winfield Angus.

Before 1933, coaching duties were assumed by a male faculty member; the Panthers women's team was formed in 1974–75.

Historically, the Panthers have been a force in the OVC, and have won a total of 51 conference team championships since 1996-97.