Elite level track and field is in the thick of a multi-million dollar facelift. There’s Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos NYC and Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam track, striving to revolutionize the sport. Moreover, there’s been a positive increment in the Diamond League prize money, with an intent to boost the game. But, don’t let these make you believe that the nascent levels of high school and college track and field are left high and dry.

Per the latest news update, the HBCU West Virginia State University has received a game changer of a funding! With a whopping $2,50,000 donation from the Kanawha County Commission, the University’s vision of a new track and field facility is now closer than ever. Per the University President, the cost of this facility should be approximately
$1.2 million.

Well, this was a pressing concern, since the present order of things was a huge demotivator for track and field enthusiasts from WVSU. They had to travel all the way to Charleston or the Kanawha valley to train each day and the logistics were often an issue, Thus, Nate Burton, the athletic director at WVSU believed that this rapidly budding program needed a home base for the athletes.

However, since reviving their track and field program last year, WVSU had been striving to garner adequate funds for this new on campus setup. Fortunately, they applied for the American Rescue Plan funding, whose recent approval now makes their vision seem achievable. Thus, Burton remarked, “This new facility will provide championship caliber resources for our track and field student-athletes, while also supplying an additional track that the community can use.”

Moreover, it would make the University a hub with track and field activity. Burton believes, “Similar to the way all of our athletic facilities are used, we envision high schools, middle schools, and area youth organizations using the facility to train and host meets.” Plus, the presence of this high capacity and state-of-the-art complex will also serve the ground for bigger track and field events coming to their region. These factors make this a definite win-win situation for all.

Apart from a few hiccups, it is sure that the level of competition is elevating at every level, be it NCAA or elite track and field. Thus, it’s become important for younger athletes to get a top-notch environment to hone their skills. It comes down to hundredths of seconds or the finest of meters in events. Thus, its important to train athletes accordingly. And truly, a number of Universities are stepping up to their A-games of late.

University level track and field gets a huge boost

The dynamic is simple. “You’re asking the students today to be faster, bigger, stronger, so you actually have to have the facilities for them to workout in,” said the Southern Texas University’s athletic director recently. TSU recently got a new strength and condition center, a gigantic 6,000-square-foot facility, which has given their track and field program a major upgrade.

But that is hardly all. December 6, the Pennsylvania State University shall join the ranks by inaugurating the Jane and David Ott Center for Track & Field, a never-seen-before model for the city of Philadelphia. Kicking off by hosting 43 indoor track and field meets in its debut year, this 73,000 square foot facility will change Penn State’s athletic game over the years.

A 200m running track, two long jump runways, equivalent pole vault runways, an 8 lane infield for hurdles and so much, this would truly garner greater viewership for the sport and attract youth to partake in larger numbers as well. Do you think such steps would be progressive towards identifying more child prodigies like Quincy Wilson or collegiate phenoms like Parker Valby in the coming times? Share what you feel below!