By TAIYA BEAN/Talon Contributor
Editor’s Note: This is part of Project UT Tyler 2050, a Patriot Talon initiative looking at the university’s future.
Creating a first class track and field complex on campus is a “priority,” UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk Calhoun said.
During a news briefing to student journalists earlier this year, Calhoun spoke on the needs and successes of the athletic programs.
“There are some opportunities we need to pursue in making the college athletic experience here be as good as it can be,” he said.
He specifically addressed the lack of facilities for track and field athletes.
“UT Tyler really deserves a first class track and field facility,” Calhoun said. “We currently do not have one.”
Track and field athletes train at facilities on other campuses and take part in meets at other universities.
The team has members who compete in sprints and various running distances, hurdles, pole vault and high jump, says the university’s sports website.
Calhoun said creating a facility is a “priority for me” and administrators are looking at options of where to locate it.
“When you talk about the campus, you have to sort of scan around and identify areas that are relatively flat that you can build on,” he said.
The undeveloped area on the southwest section of campus now used for hiking trails may not be a suitable location.
“Much of that land where the (hiking) trails are, they are great for nature. They are not necessarily idea places to build facilities.”
The university also owns land along University Boulevard and east of Old Omen that is not developed.
Calhoun also said that the transition from Division III to Division II athletics has been smooth and praised the success of the sports programs.
He noted that women’s softball team has been ranked No. 1 in the nation and that the women’s basketball is coming off one of its best seasons ever.
The women’s basketball team finished 10-5 in conference play and 19-9 overall. He also praised the volleyball team which went 15-2 in conference play and 20-4 and overall.
More in Project UT Tyler 2050
Increasing Student Housing Among President Calhoun’s Priorities
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