Zips celebrate renovated track and field complex with MAC championship

Thanks to the generosity of a group of donors led by Roger ’63, ’66, and Sally Read, the University of Akron’s (UA) Lee R. Jackson Track and Field Complex reopened in April 2023 after undergoing a much-needed overhaul.

Just a few days after a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Zips outdoor track and field program held its first home meet since 2018. And, a few weeks later, the Zips men’s outdoor track and field team won the Mid-American Conference championship, hosted at the UA facility. It was the team’s ninth outdoor league championship, and the team has now won nine of the last 15 MAC titles overall.

“Having top-notch facilities and the ability to have support from family and friends is an important part of our teams’ success,” said UA Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Kendra Reimer-Gonzalez, who was named MAC Men’s Coach of the Year for the outdoor track and field season. “It was a big moment for our student-athletes, and they rose to the occasion, winning the conference title at home in front of the Zips family. This is a memory our student-athletes will cherish for a lifetime."

The Reads, who are longtime UA supporters, kickstarted the renovation campaign with a $400,000 donation and challenged others to give. Other donors included Dr. Roland and Mary Bauer, Robert and Alyssa Briggs, Tom ’72 and Kitty Dindo ‘71, David Dorenfeld, Joe ’76 and Carrie Hete, Steve ’82 and Jeannine Marks’91, ‘96, and Rick and Alita Rogers.

Improvements to the complex, which had been in continuous use for more than 50 years, include anew track oval sub-base of rubberized asphalt and coated with a polyurethane sealant to provide stability and added comfort; replacement of the pole vault, javelin and long-triple jump runways; and new fencing. The changes strengthen the practice experience for student-athletes, boost recruiting efforts and increase community access to fitness facilities.

Story by Jessica Whitehill

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