OSU to bring back track and field
A new track and field facility funded by alumni and outside donations will expand athletic programs
Gail Cole
Issue date: 7/23/08 Section: News
"From a competition standpoint, they travel and go to various invitationals," Oxsen said.
Practicing for the steeplechase event is especially difficult for the women's team, since the nearest steeplechase training facilities are located in Eugene and Monmouth. According to Oxsen, the steeplechase is a 3,000-meter event in which athletes encounter large hurdle-like barriers and pools of water during the race.
The track facilities and expanded teams will be funded by outside donations, such as from alumni and private organizations. There will be no additional student fees for the new facilities and teams.
"There are some people who are interested in seeing the program come back," Oxsen said. "There are some corporations who are interested in helping us out."
Though the facilities are expected to be completed in 2010, the men's program will not be introduced until later for various reasons, such as for the time needed to recruit athletes and hire a coaching staff.
"We're probably looking at 2012 and 13 for the time we start competing," Oxsen said of the men's team.
Sullivan said the men's team will first begin competing in distance events, much like the current women's team. The expanded women's team will eventually begin participating in shorter distance and field events.
Oxsen said many female students took a great interest in being a part of the women's program when it was first introduced.
"When we started the women's program here, people from around campus just contacted [Coach Sullivan]," Oxsen said. "There were some awfully good runners who were attending Oregon State."
Sullivan, who, according to OSU's track and field website, was hired in 2004 as the first women's head coach in 16 years, is happy to have the opportunity to build up both men's and women's programs.
"To be a part of that has been really exciting for me," Sullivan said. "It's really been an honor."
Practicing for the steeplechase event is especially difficult for the women's team, since the nearest steeplechase training facilities are located in Eugene and Monmouth. According to Oxsen, the steeplechase is a 3,000-meter event in which athletes encounter large hurdle-like barriers and pools of water during the race.
The track facilities and expanded teams will be funded by outside donations, such as from alumni and private organizations. There will be no additional student fees for the new facilities and teams.
"There are some people who are interested in seeing the program come back," Oxsen said. "There are some corporations who are interested in helping us out."
Though the facilities are expected to be completed in 2010, the men's program will not be introduced until later for various reasons, such as for the time needed to recruit athletes and hire a coaching staff.
"We're probably looking at 2012 and 13 for the time we start competing," Oxsen said of the men's team.
Sullivan said the men's team will first begin competing in distance events, much like the current women's team. The expanded women's team will eventually begin participating in shorter distance and field events.
Oxsen said many female students took a great interest in being a part of the women's program when it was first introduced.
"When we started the women's program here, people from around campus just contacted [Coach Sullivan]," Oxsen said. "There were some awfully good runners who were attending Oregon State."
Sullivan, who, according to OSU's track and field website, was hired in 2004 as the first women's head coach in 16 years, is happy to have the opportunity to build up both men's and women's programs.
"To be a part of that has been really exciting for me," Sullivan said. "It's really been an honor."
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Paul
posted 7/23/08 @ 6:48 AM PST
Great news!
Over the years, men's cross country and track & field programs have produced numerous great runners, such as distance runner Dale Story, who, running barefoot in 1961, lead the Beaver cross country team to the NCAA Cross Country Championship. (Continued…)
Buy Salvia
posted 7/29/08 @ 2:19 PM PST
I used to run the 400m and we had a GREAT 4 by 100m relay team too. I hope they can get it back in gear it would be great for OSU.
arizona auto insurance
posted 7/29/08 @ 4:52 PM PST
This is awesome. Beaver athletes will be richly rewarded with this news. I've seen other universities cutting back, eliminating programs. It's pretty fortunate that we can this happening right now. (Continued…)
Post a Comment
Comments by registered users are approved by default.