Track and Field Renovation

Track and Field Facility Renovation

The track has served EMU well for nearly 30 years, but is urgently in need of renovation to support our student athletes and exemplary coaching staff; and the robust enrollment growth goals that our pole vault

coaching team envision during the next several years.

TheTrack and Field Renovation will produce many benefits for EMU students and the program including:

Impact large number of students through the athletic experience

Host home college track meets which is not currently an option

Increase diversity in student body

Enable every athlete on the roster to compete

Accommodate roster of 75+ student athletes

Enhance enrollment and retention strategies of the university

Increase recruiting capabilities through hosting high school events

Combine individual achievement with team success

Realize cost savings due to reduction of travel costs

Host track and field camp events to support recruitment and revenues

The project includes the complete renovation of the existing track and field, installation of high quality track with additional lanes to meet NCAA standards.

EMU All-Americans

Over the previous three years, EMU has had 8 All-Americans in Track & Field and Cross Country, including five-time All-American Hannah Chappell-Dick and two-time All-American Connor Faint.

NCAA National Championships

Over the previous four years, EMU Track & Field and Cross Country has had 19 individual participants at an NCAA National Championship event.

EMU Hall of Fame

Six former EMU Cross Country and Track & Field athletes have been inducted over the five most recent classes of the EMU Hall of Honor. Overall, there are 20 Cross Country and Track & Field members in the EMU Hall of Honor, plus one Cross Country team (1976 MXC).

NCAA Woman of the Year

2016 grad Hannah Chappell-Dick was a five-time All-American in Track & Field and Cross Country. She was also EMU's first NCAA Woman of the Year Top 30 honoree. Hannah broke eight program records during her time at EMU. She was also a six-time ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the year between TF and CC, and won the Marjorie Berkley Award as the ODAC's top overall female scholar-athlete in 2015-16.

Project Specifics

The project includes demolition of current track, regrading and installation of a new 10 mm full pour polyurethane track surface, installation of all throwing and jumping events, the addition of steeplechase and new equipment.

Steeplechase

The 3,000m steeplechase is a contested event at the ODAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships as well as the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships. This addition will allow EMU to host future ODAC Championship meets.

Additional Lanes

The current facility has six lanes, which was the standard when it was constructed in 1990. Modern collegiate tracks have moved to having eight lanes; it is critical to add the additional two lanes to EMU’s facility in order to have our facility meet current standards, and to ensure maximum opportunities for hosting high school and collegiate championship meets long into the future.

Equipment

Replacement of all hurdles, starting blocks and landing mats. The original hurdles and starting blocks – purchased in 1989 – are still in use, as well as the pole vault mats purchased in 2001 — all well beyond their recommended lifespans.

Bomberger Field

All throwing and jumping events will be contested inside the track creating a one-stop, spectator-friendly venue. Bomberger field will be large enough for student recreational opportunities and some intercollegiate practices.

Support This Project

Learn more – Contact us at 540-432-4203 or at advancement@emu.edu learn more about the Track and Field campaign and to explore giving opportunities

Naming opportunities are available, and can be used to honor a loved one, a family, or a beloved professor. For more information, contact Kirk Shisler, vice president for advancement at 540-432-4203 or at kirk.shisler@emu.edu.

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