Vanderbilt Track

The Southeastern Conference’s newest track and field facility opened to positive reviews and blistering performances last April.

The Vanderbilt Invitational, which witnessed a slew of NCAA qualifying marks and team records, was the Commodores’ first chance to showcase its $1.7 million facility.

"We received the reaction I thought we’d get. Everybody praised the the track and entire facility," Head Coach Lori Shepard said.

The state-of-the-art complex features a Mondo synthetic track and jump surface, similar to the last three Olympic venues. It is one of two Mondo track surfaces in the conference.

The SEC’s newest venue also includes a Mondo D-Curve for the javelin and high jump, two containment areas for the discus and hammer throws, and a water element for the steeplechase. The eight-lane track also features a thick, cushioned subsurface ideal for training.

"This track offers the best of both worlds. The Mondo material is the preferred track surface. But as a distance coach, I really like the extra cushion in the substance. It’s a fast track that happens to be a superb training facility," Commodore coach and three-time U.S. Olympian Jim Spivey said.

The complex, located on campus next to the McGugin Athletic Complex, is under consideration as the host site for the 2005 SEC Outdoor Championships.

from the Vanderbilt Athletic Department