The Illinois State track and field program entered a new phase Monday with the rededication of the new outdoor facility.
Former head track and field coach John Coughlan and current head coach Elvis Forde, along with Illinois State director of athletics Perk Weisenburger were on hand to commemorate the dedication of Illinois State athletics newest upgrade.
Its an outstanding facility, Weisenburger said during Mondays dedication. Weve invested a lot of time, effort and money, and were certainly pleased to be able to hand this back over to the Illinois State University track and field program.
During Coughlans tenure as head coach, the old outdoor facility hosted only a handful of meets. Now, with the upgrade, Illinois State will be hosting two outdoor events during the 2004 track season.
We really have a good indoor facility, but our outdoor facility was probably one of the weakest in the conference, Coughlan said. In the 25 years I was here, we probably only hosted six or seven meets just because the facilities were inadequate.
Coughlan sees many bright days ahead for Forde and the track and field program now that they have the facilities to compete with other Missouri Valley Conference schools.
Now, with this new facility, its going to help Illinois State immeasurably, Coughlan said. It will help in recruiting, it gives athletes the chance to compete at home, and parents can come and watch their sons and daughters and not have to travel all over the country.
As Forde enters his second season as head coach, he continues his quest to find the best quality athletes to compliment the new facility.
It is up to our coaching staff, Coach (Chris) Bailey, Coach (Brent) Chumbley and myself to find quality athletes to put on this field, Forde said. Building a champion is not easy and I ask that our athletes buy into our program and use this facility to our advantage.
The track and field team will christen the new facility during the Redbird Classic on April 17, 2004. The Birds will then host the MVC Championships on May 12-15.
