Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Athletics breaks ground on new Track and Field complex
05/23/2011 | 12:00:00 | Track and Field
May 23, 2011
By Bill Ford
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois Athletics officially broke ground on the new Saluki Track and Field Complex with a ceremony Monday in the SIU Arena lobby.
Another piece of the Saluki Way initiative, the Saluki Track and Field Complex is a $3.96 million project set to take shape directly east of Abe Martin Field. Construction ceremonially began with the turning of dirt by SIU Director of Athletics Mario Moccia, SIU Chancellor Rita Cheng, Saluki track and field coach Connie Price-Smith, Saluki student-athlete Jeff Schirmer, and SIU Sport Club Executive Board President Phillip Bickart.
"This wonderful facility will be one of the finest track and field venues in the Midwest," said Moccia. "In addition to a tremendous running surface, a synthetic grass infield and a top-notch throws area, it's going to contain brand-new locker rooms for both our men's and women's track and field program."
Annually one of Southern's most successful programs, Saluki Track and Field has produced 13 national champions, 17 Olympians and countless All-America honors in its storied history. Cheng said the new Saluki Track and Field Complex will give Southern a facility that lives up to its legacy.
"The track and field program has a remarkable history and our student-athletes, coaches and staff continue to excel," Cheng said. "Our student-athletes, our coaches and our staff deserve the kind of facilities that are breaking ground today."
Price-Smith, a Saluki track and field alumnus, said it is exciting to see how far program has come since she stepped foot on campus 21 years ago and she looks forward to the impact the new facility will have on recruiting.
"I wish my teammates that were here when I was here could see what we have now," said Price-Smith. "To see where we came from and what we have now, it's just an extremely exciting time to be a part of Saluki Athletics.
"Having a new track and field complex is just one of the things that proves we are dedicated to being one of the best."
Scheduled for completion in December, The Saluki Track and Field Complex will include the following:
• A regulation NCAA competition 400-meter track with a state-of-the art, full depth polyurethane synthetic track surface system.
• Accommodations for regulation NCAA competition field events, including bi-directional pole vault and long and triple jump surfaces.
• Accommodations for regulation NCAA competition throwing events, including a dual shot put pad and hammer throw, discus and javelin areas.
• A state-of-the-art, multi-event synthetic turf infield which can be set to accommodate an NCAA regulation soccer pitch or football field.
• Spectator seating for 250, including seven ADA positions with future capacity for up to 500 additional spectators.
• Pole-mounted track and field sports lighting.
• A 4,500 square foot track and locker support building with future expansion capability.
• A free-standing track building for event operations and viewing.
