Spring Break
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
Beaver fans will soon have another reason to cheer.
OSU will build a track and field facility that is expected to be available for use in 2010. Along with the new track facility, there are plans for the expansion of the women's track and field program as well as the eventual reintroduction of the men's program.
The facility will be located next to the softball field on Western Boulevard. The initial facility will hold seating for 1,500 and will also hold large areas for spectators to stand during events.
"Over time the seating can be increased," said Kelly Sullivan, head coach of women's track and field and cross country. "You can actually go up and add another 1,500 [seats]."
"It would allow us to grow as the program grows," said Doug Oxsen, Beaver Athletic Student Fund Regional Director.
With the new facility, OSU hopes to host a variety of track and field events, such as home and state championship high school meets.
The plans for the new track facility have been in the works for several years, "We've reinstated the women's track and cross country program four years ago," Oxsen said about the initial planning for the track and field facility and expanded program.
"To field a complete team requires a facility. Obviously the thought was in the back of [our] minds."
Both men's and women's teams were removed in 1988 for budgeting reasons, according to compiled information about the history of OSU's track and field teams on the Alumni Association website.
OSU hired its first men's track coach in 1905 and began competing in 1906. The women's track and field program was added in the mid-1970s.
The Alumni page stated that OSU's past track and field teams were very successful. The men's teams had very strong years in the mid-1920s and late 1960s and won the NCAA championship in 1961.
Currently the women's team has encountered challenges in not having their own competition facilities, thus having to practice "wherever they can," according to Oxsen.
OSU will build a track and field facility that is expected to be available for use in 2010. Along with the new track facility, there are plans for the expansion of the women's track and field program as well as the eventual reintroduction of the men's program.
The facility will be located next to the softball field on Western Boulevard. The initial facility will hold seating for 1,500 and will also hold large areas for spectators to stand during events.
"Over time the seating can be increased," said Kelly Sullivan, head coach of women's track and field and cross country. "You can actually go up and add another 1,500 [seats]."
"It would allow us to grow as the program grows," said Doug Oxsen, Beaver Athletic Student Fund Regional Director.
With the new facility, OSU hopes to host a variety of track and field events, such as home and state championship high school meets.
The plans for the new track facility have been in the works for several years, "We've reinstated the women's track and cross country program four years ago," Oxsen said about the initial planning for the track and field facility and expanded program.
"To field a complete team requires a facility. Obviously the thought was in the back of [our] minds."
Both men's and women's teams were removed in 1988 for budgeting reasons, according to compiled information about the history of OSU's track and field teams on the Alumni Association website.
OSU hired its first men's track coach in 1905 and began competing in 1906. The women's track and field program was added in the mid-1970s.
The Alumni page stated that OSU's past track and field teams were very successful. The men's teams had very strong years in the mid-1920s and late 1960s and won the NCAA championship in 1961.
Currently the women's team has encountered challenges in not having their own competition facilities, thus having to practice "wherever they can," according to Oxsen.
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…)
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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.
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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…)
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