Men's Outdoor Track & Field To Continue
Private donations provided to the `Save Our Sports' fundraising effort will allow men's outdoor track to continue for the next two years prior to the transition to the Big Ten Conference in 2014.
Dec. 18, 2012
COLLEGE PARK, MD. - Men's Outdoor Track & Field will continue at the University of Maryland, director of athletics Kevin Anderson announced Tuesday. Private donations provided to the `Save Our Sports' fundraising effort will allow men's outdoor track to continue for the next two years prior to the transition to the Big Ten Conference in 2014.
University President Dr. Wallace Loh recently formed the `President's Commission on Big Ten/CIC Integration' to explore long-term investments of Big Ten revenue starting in 2014.
"Our decision to move to the Big Ten Conference will provide enormous benefits to the University of Maryland, both athletically and academically," said President Loh. "The continuation of our storied track and field program is a great first step. I look forward to additional recommendations from the Commission on how to ensure the productive and positive integration into the Big Ten."
"We are very excited to continue the outstanding legacy of the men's track and field program at the University of Maryland," said Anderson. "We sincerely appreciate the commitment and dedication made by our student-athletes, Coach Valmon and his staff during this transition. We have reconvened the President's Commissions and with their help we will evaluate the potential of reinstating sports programs at Maryland once we transition into the Big Ten Conference. Thanks to the generosity of our donors who stepped up to meet the financial challenges, we will continue the men's outdoor track and field program and give the President's Commission the time they need to evaluate long-term options and come back to us with some recommendations."
Head coach Andrew Valmon, entering his 10th season with the Terps, will compete with 14 student-athletes during the 2012-13 outdoor season. Valmon most recently spent the past summer serving as the men's head coach for Team USA at the London Olympics.
"I want to thank our administration, fans, alumni and supporters who have been behind us during the past year," said Valmon. "I am very happy for our student-athletes who have shown a strong commitment to our program through this entire process. This is an exciting first step as we look forward to the start of our competitive season."
During the 2011-12 season, Valmon and the Terps qualified nine student-athletes for postseason competition.
Men's Outdoor Track & Field opens up its 2013 season in late March. A full schedule will be available at a later date.