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Track Links
ZOLA WITTEN TRACK/WELCH STADIUM
If you compete in track from elementary school through college in
the state of Kansas, chances are you will have competed on
Emporia State University’s Zola Witten Track. One of the premiere
outdoor track and field facilities in the Midwest, Zola Witten Track
has been the site of the 1995, 1999 and 2006 NCAA Division II Outdoor track & Field
Championships. In addition, the facility has been selected as the
site of the MIAA Outdoor Championships in 1997, 2002 and 2006 and was
host to the 2001and 2007 MIAA Multi-Event Championships.
“This facility has gained a reputation as one of the finest in this region, if not the country,” said ESU Track and Field Coach Dave Harris. “I had countless individuals who went out of their way to compliment our facility and everyone they encounter during their visits in Emporia.”
The “Going the Distance” campaign began the reconstruction of the
68-year-old facility and attracted these major events to the
Emporia community. Prior to the 1995 NCAA Championships, new
restrooms and concession areas were built to accommodate the
event, and in 1997 construction was completed on the new
Hutchinson Family Pavilion, three-level press box, luxury suite,
and theater-seat complex.
“I think for any recruit, they need to feel comfortable wherever they are,” said Harris. “I’m hopeful that youngsters get the opportunity to compete at our facility, because I really think they will enjoy the experience. That will be beneficial for us, once they become a recruited student-athlete.”
The program also has benefitted from the increased recognition. ESU has won conference championships in women’s cross country, men’s outdoor and women’s outdoor and indoor track since the completion of the facility.
“In the long run, I think the community and ESU will prosper because of the commitment made by so many to be associated with and provide a first-class facility at Emporia State University,” added Harris.
JONES PARK
The Jones Youth Recreation Park in northwest Emporia has been the home course of Hornet Cross Country since 1992. The rolling course begins with a westbound straightaway up a slight incline and then forces a fairly sharp 180º turn into the park. The course ends with an eastbound run down the same straightaway.
Emporia State hosts the Jock’s Nitch Open each fall at Jones Park. The course has been the sight of two MIAA Championships in cross country. The Hornet women won their first MIAA championship in 1994 on the course. ESU also hosted the 2001 conference championships.