With the echoing blast of a replica Civil War cannon, runners threw their bodies into action, sprinting a ceremonial first lap around the University of Mary Washington’s new track and field complex on Saturday, Oct. 22.
The new track is the most recent addition to UMW’s Battleground Athletic Complex on Hanover Street near the Fredericksburg campus. Featuring eight blue lanes with gray accents that circle an irrigated grass surface, the facility opens in time for the spring season of UMW’s Track and Field team, consisting of nearly 50 students.
“This new complex gives us somewhere to train that rivals most facilities in the country,” said Kunle Lawson, coach for UMW Track & Field and Cross Country. “It’s a place that our teams can really call home.”
Following construction that began in the summer of 2015, the new venue includes a home straightaway
With dual long/triple jump runways with sand pits and a dedicated shot put area on the infield. The infield also has the combined hammer and discus cage. Extra nets along the long and triple runways and the pole vault runways provide added protection. The IAAF approved, synthetic track surface is by Beynon Sports Surfaces.
“This new track gives you something to run for,” said senior Bailey Ratliff, a high jumper who came to UMW to run track. “Knowing your friends and family can finally come to a home meet makes you train that much harder.”
UMW Track & Field will host its first home meet of the season on Saturday, March 18, followed by Battleground Relays on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1. The team will also host the CAC Outdoor Championships on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22.
For more information about UMW Athletics, visit http://www.umweagles.com/.
