By Aime Rutayisire, Sports Editor
Newman University announced in December that it planned to add a track and field program. Now, Athletic Director Kenyon Spears is sharing more details about how Newman will launch the program.
The school is now searching for a head coach to lead the program, which will include both men’s and women’s teams. It’s also trying to secure practice facilities ahead of the program's anticipated launch next fall, Spears said.
Almost immediately after announcing plans for the program, Spears said, he sensed that interest was high. He received emails from potential coaches before the job was even officially posted in February.
Spears said the school is looking for a well-rounded coach with experience in track and field. Coaches with a background in distance running are also being considered. Spears said
Newman is also planning to hire an assistant coach and a graduate assistant coach and could add more staff later.
The track program will provide new opportunities for some of Newman’s current athletes, he said.
“It gives our cross country athletes a chance to compete year-round,” Spears said.
Freshman Ilese Burroughs said there was a major interest in the track and field team from cross country athletes, including herself.
“The reason why is because a lot of us ran track in high school,” Burroughs said. “And there are transfers on the team who also ran it at the college they went to.”
Most schools in the MIAA conference already have track and field programs. Out of 12 schools in the conference, 11 have women’s teams and 10 have men’s teams.
Spears said he’s interviewing potential coaches.
“The tough part is we are in track and field season right now,” Spears said. “But that doesn’t slow us down.”
The university is also working to find a place for the team to train and compete. Spears said Newman is in talks with local high schools about a possible partnership, but nothing has been finalized yet.
Despite some details still being worked out, Spears said the university remains focused on building the program the right way. As soon as the coach is hired, Spears said, he and the coaching staff will begin recruiting athletes.
PHOTO: Courtesy, Unsplash
