Track nearly complete

With the grass and synthetic rubber laid down, Chadron State College’s outdoor track and field complex is nearing completion with the installation of long-and-triple-jump pits and a press box remaining. 

The installation of the press box is expected to begin Thursday, Aug. 20. Following its completion, a ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10 at 5 p.m., just south of the Chicoine Center.

According to CSC Sports Information, the track cost $1.8 million.

Head Track Coach Riley Northrup said having an outdoor track and field complex gives student-athletes the opportunity for improved training along with the ability to host meets

“It has already been a huge boost in recruiting, as most track and field athletes in high school are only familiar with outdoor track,” Northrup said, “So before when there wasn’t an outdoor facility we were always asked the question of where we practice and compete outdoors. Now we have a beautiful new facility that answers that question and provides our student-athletes with everything necessary to be successful!”

The track allows athletes on CSC’s track team to use an outdoor facility for the first time since the 1980s when the track was conjoined with Elliott Field. 

Construction for the new facility began in April, 2019.

“I honestly love having an outdoor track,” Senior Sprinter Tyler Freeman, of Perris, California, said. 

“I went and saw it earlier and it’s just cool that the track is so close to the hill. I’m glad that I’ll get a chance to run on it and do great things with my team this year.”