Jordan Sernoff ‘20 Staff Writer
For 100 years any athlete looking to compete in track and field for Immaculata University would do so without a home track to do anything with. On September 20th, 2019 that would change forever as Immaculata University hosted a track dedication ceremony. Track Athlete James Rupert would open the dedication ceremonies with a prayer on the sunny and windy day, followed by speeches from University President Lettiere, Cindy Mark Egnotovich (a major donor to the track project) Chester County Pennsylvania State Senator Andrew Dinniman, and other Immaculata Officials.
In her remarks President Lettiere revealed that the construction of the track was not without its faults over the summer. On June 20th, the workers returned to the track to find the excavated area for the track was filled with rain water from the day before delaying work for some time. Another issue that arose was the infestation of Spotted lanternflies that continue to plague the State this year.
As the asphalt was being poured the flies would land in the hot liquid and would have to be hand picked out providing a further delay in the process. However, with all these interruptions the track was completed in August 28th. Today the track is open for everyone to use and will be an attractive part of campus moving forward. Track Coach A.J. White was very excited for the track remarking that “the new track will not just benefit the track and field team but all the athletes, students, staff, and surrounding community” and is very excited to be able to host Track and Field events for the first time in Immaculata history.
President Lettiere envisions the track being an enormous morale boost for the track team and believes that it will encourage students to become more active around campus. James Rupert summed up everyone’s thoughts and beliefs with one simple statement, “I can’t wait to get out here and run.” The track is a welcome and encouraging addition to campus. Providing students with a sanctuary to relax and blow off steam after a tough day of classes, the track will open up the campus to a new world of fitness and health.
When Track and Field meets begin it will be an exciting and new experience for everyone as they provide the track team with a home field advantage they have never felt before.
