Track and Field To Open 2008-2009 Season With First-Ever Home Indoor Meet
Springfield, Mass. – December 4, 2008 – For the first time in its 124-year history, Springfield College will host an indoor track meet this weekend in the Pride’s brand new Field House which opened in September.In its inaugural meet, the Pride will host the first ever Springfield Invitational as men’s and women’s teams from Rhode Island College, Westfield State, Eastern Connecticut State, and WPI will travel to compete at the Alden Street venue on Saturday at 11:00 am.
The 93,820 square-foot Field House, with the same Mondo track surface used in the bird’s nest National Stadium in Beijing at the 2008 Olympic Games, includes a six-lane running track surrounding four multi-purpose courts, plus strength and conditioning facilities, and locker rooms and concession space.
On the women’s side, junior sensation Nikki Hay looks to continue her outstanding career at Springfield. The triple jump specialist picked up All-American honors last season as she finished third at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. As a squad last year, Springfield finished third at the ECAC Outdoor Championships as Hay was named Co-Outstanding Female Performer of the Meet.
Leading the way for the men this season will be junior Steve Headley, one of the fastest men in Division III. Last season, Headley finished fourth in the 100 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Championships and fifth in the 55 meters at the indoor championships. As a team last season, the Pride placed 10th at the Indoor Division III Championships and fourth at the Outdoor Championships. It also finished sixth at the Indoor ECAC Championships and third at the Outdoor Championships.
Team Links
- 2008-2009 Schedule
- 2008-2009 Roster
- Photo Gallery
- Recruiting Brochure (.pdf)
- Recruit Me!
- Team Archive
Head Coach Ken Klatka
Ken Klatka, enters his 33rd season as head coach of the men’s track and field program in 2008-2009. He ranks among the nation’s most successful coaches, with an overall record of 397 wins, 135 losses, and two ties for an impressive .745 winning percentage.
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