MANCHESTER, N.H. – Saint Anselm College announced the addition of men's and women's track & field as varsity sport offerings on Tuesday. Additionally, plans for an on-campus track & field complex were revealed, which will include an eight-lane track, synthetic turf field, lighting, spectator seating, and an amenities building with locker rooms.
The brand-new Hawks track & field programs will participate in both the indoor and outdoor seasons, officially beginning competition within the Northeast-10 Conference effective in the 2023-24 academic year.
Design and planning for the facility, which may be completed in phases, is already underway. The complex is also expected to be home to the Hawks men's and women's soccer teams, as well as a wide array of other College programming.
"Track & field will enhance the overall student-athlete experience and provide new opportunities for recruits to compete at the NCAA Division II level while immersed in a transformative educational experience," said Saint Anselm President Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D. "The addition of track & field at Saint Anselm is a key strategic initiative that will also drive ongoing athletics recruitment."
A national search will commence immediately for a Director of Track & Field/Head Coach, with the first track & field student-athletes enrolling at Saint Anselm in Fall 2023.
Saint Anselm will join many current NE10 institutions that sponsor track & field. Starting with the 2023-24 academic year, Saint Anselm will offer 23 NCAA Division II sports in total, an all-time high.
"Athletic teams on the Hilltop have achieved unmatched levels of competitive success during recent years," remarked Director of AthleticsDaron Montgomery. "We are confident that the College's track & field programs will strengthen our success in many ways and further elevate the brand and profile of Saint Anselm athletics."
NOTABLES
- Since 2018, Saint Anselm teams have reached the Elite Eight, Final Four, and played for two NCAA Division II national championships—earning a total of 23 NCAA post-season appearances.
- Based on current high school participation rates, track & field is the most popular sport for high-school aged girls while ranking second amongst boys.
- Prospective track & field student-athletes should email Daron Montgomery, Director of Athletics, or complete the following online recruiting questionnaires: WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD, MEN'S TRACK AND FIELD
- Donor and naming opportunities are available for the track & field complex project. For more information regarding facility donor opportunities, contact Jim Flanagan, the Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer.