UC Riverside Track Facility
 Thanks to a big-time assist from "Undercover Boss" Chancellor Timothy P. White, the UC Riverside Track Facility underwent a complete facelift in the fall of 2011. (Watch the transformation in the Track Is Back! photo gallery)The Highlanders hadn't hosted an intercollegiate event since 2005 as the track surface was too worn down to be used in competition, a reality that was made evident to the Chancellor following his appearance on the CBS reality show "Undercover Boss" in May of 2011. Disguised as a coach looking to learn the ins and outs of intercollegiate track & field, White became aware of the poor condition of the old track facility, and at the conclusion of the show, pledged the funds necessary to build the new stadium. Now the Highlanders train on a brand new, eight-lane, Rekortan M99 world championship suface with an additional inside lane for jogging. The sod on the infield was completey re-done, and the team's throwers now have their own practice area down by the soccer field. The old wooden bleachers were replaced with new aluminum ones. Chancellor White joined the track team, Athletics Director Brian Wickstrom and community leaders on Friday, March 2, 2012 for the official dedication of the new facility. (Watch the dedication video). “The new track facility is remarkably overdue. We are now, for the first time in many years, able to host home meets so our student-athletes can perform in front of their friends, family and the campus community,” White said. “It has a state-of-the-art surface, allowing for fewer stress-induced injuries and better training, permitting these men and women to achieve their highest potential. That is what a UC experience should always be.” |
