Track/soccer get complex

Construction set to begin next summer

By Alex Conover and Amy Kalina
Cardinal Staff and Managing Editor

On Sept. 28, the Board of Trustees approved a proposal to build a new $2.5 million track and field/soccer complex on the Saint Mary’s campus.
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Chris Kendall, vice president for student development, said the complex will “greatly benefit the university in a number of key areas, including visibility and marketing, enrollment, athletics, and campus atmosphere.”

Construction of the complex will begin in summer 2008, and it will be located near the current soccer field, by the front entrance of campus. The complex will consist of a track made of rubber composite material with a competition soccer field in the center. A second phase will later add lights, a concession area, permanent bleachers, and a press box.

Students and faculty are showing excitement over the future new addition. “I can’t wait to run on it next year,” said freshman sprinter Cody Harvey. “This will help our training, and we can also start hosting meets.”

Because SMU is currently one of the few schools in the MIAC without an outdoor track, Kendall believes it will sharpen SMU’s “competitive edge.” Coaches also hope the complex will be a positive recruiting tool for student-athletes.

“The new field will put us right with the top Division III programs in the country as far as facilities,” said men’s soccer assistant coach Matt Perrigo. “Kids are going to drive down Hwy. 14, and the first thing they’re going to see is our new track. We’re all pretty excited for it.”

Last year, the Board of Trustees voted against the reinstatement of football as a varsity sport at SMU. Instead, the board directed more support for existing athletic programs. The track/soccer complex, along with new baseball and softball fields, are major campaigns toward the board’s goal of providing better support for current SMU athletics. The first phase of the new baseball and softball fields was completed this past summer. Possible future improvements include athletic training facilities, tennis courts, and locker rooms.