Track goes the Saluki way
PDF The Saluki Way was designed to upgrade and create championship-caliber facilities for the university’s student athletes and staff, and it has continued its promise with a new track and field complex.
The new, state-of-the-art complex will feature NCAA regulation event fields and will serve as the home of the men’s and women’s track and field teams. Construction on the $3.96 million facility began May 22 and is expected to be completed in December 2011.
Chancellor Rita Cheng said the construction of the complex is a perfect example of the teamwork and dedication from the community and student body. She said it aids the success of the university’s athletic programs and encourages recruitment of future student athletes.
“Many of our generous donors, our students and the city of Carbondale have joined us in building for the future,” Cheng said. “They share the confidence in our future.”
Cheng said the track and field program deserves this complex because of its remarkable history and its excellence every year.
Located adjacent to Abe Martin Field, the nine-acre complex will center around a regulation NCAA 400-meter polyurethane track surface, a 4,500-square-foot support building to house the men’s and women’s locker rooms and spectator seating for 250.
Both the spectator seating and building are designed with the capabilities for expansion in the future.
The facility will also include regulation NCAA competition areas for throwing and field events. It will have space for a dual shot put pad, hammer throw, discus, javelin throw, bi-directional pole vault, and long and triple jumps.
Track and field coach Connie Price-Smith said the Saluki Way project will allow the program to become stronger because it offers something new for her current and future athletes. She said she has been a part of SIU for 21 years and is fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of the program today.
“This is a really exciting time for me to be a part of Saluki athletics,” Price-Smith said. “Having a new track and field complex is just one of the great things to prove we are dedicated to being one of the best.”
Athletic Director Mario Moccia said the track and field program has a history of success, and the construction of this complex is an opportunity for the university and the community to give back to the program.
“The facility will be one of the finest track and field venues in the Midwest,” Moccia said. “(It) will truly be a milestone for what is a very special program at Southern Illinois University.”
Moccia said the facility could also be used by a varsity soccer team if the university decides to add the program in the future.
Senior athlete Jeff Schirmer was a guest speaker at the ceremony May 23 and said he is confident the complex’s construction will add to the future success of the program.
“I look forward to seeing the finished product, and I’m excited about the possibilities that this track will offer to this already great program.” Schirmer said.
