Board of Trustees Approves New Indoor Track Surface at Kent State Field House
11/10/2022 3:00:00 PM | General, Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field, The Golden Flashes Club, Play As One
KENT, Ohio - The Kent State Athletic Department, in conjunction with the Kent State Board of Trustees, has approved a replacement of the indoor track surface inside of the Kent State Field House, as announced by Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond.
The current track surface, which has hosted more than 50 meets since installation in 2008, has reached the end of its life cycle. Installation of the new surface is expected to begin by early summer 2023.
"This is a very exciting and important project for our department, the campus and the community at large," Richmond said. "We are appreciative of the university's support and vision as installing a new, state-of-the-art indoor track will help turn our Field House into one of the best all-purpose indoor facilities in the Mid-American Conference and Northeast Ohio. The venue will serve every one of our student-athletes, our campus, and community in a wide variety of ways for years to come."
The new track surface is the latest in a string of recent upgrades to the Kent State Field House. In 2020, a synthetic field turf that is utilized by several of the Golden Flashes' teams was installed on the infield of the facility. Weight room renovations, including a new floor, new equipment and an improved sound system, have occurred over the past 18 months.
"I am truly grateful and excited with the direction Kent State Track and Field is going and personally want to thank the board of trustees for making this a reality," Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Nathan Fanger said. "The impact that this will have on our program will last for decades to come, showing current and future student-athletes how much this university cares about them and is willing to invest in their future success. I also want to thank Randale Richmond and Angie Hull for the guidance and direction they have given me this fall. Great things are on the horizon for Kent State Track and Field."
As a result of this project, Kent State will be unable to host any home meets or high school meets this year. The new surface will help provide an improved competition experience during the 2023-24 season.
The Flashes' cross country team will be in action Friday at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional in Terre Haute, Indiana. The indoor track and field season is scheduled to begin at the Falcon Early Bird Open on Jan. 14.
Be sure to follow the Golden Flashes on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the team.
