Zola Witten Track, the home of Emporia State University’s track and field program, was rededicated Oct. 14 during a bell-ringing ceremony at Welch Stadium. The track was resurfaced and transformed into a unique gold oval thanks to the generous contributions from the City of Emporia, the Frank Karnes Estate and Dr. Michael and Joyce Reynolds. Representatives of the donors were on hand to take part in the ceremony during Homecoming Weekend.
“Frank would have been proud to be a part of this project,” said Dixie Karnes, Frank’s widow. “He had very fond memories and credited Emporia State for getting his life on track, as far as his education, his work ethic and the dreams he had for what he wanted to accomplish in his life.”
The track was third in a series of three major renovations inside historic Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University, following the debut of the Dennis Shogren Scoreboard in September 2015 and the new Jones Field on Sept. 1, 2016.
The project was a part of the Now and Forever Campaign, the biggest philanthropic movement in Emporia State’s history. The contributors to the new track believe it was an important investment for not only Emporia State but the local community.
“We’ve always been track and field fans and thought it was a great project,” said Dr. Michael Reynolds. “Our daughters are runners. Both ran cross country and one ran track in high school and competed at Rice University. We appreciate what the track and field student-athletes do, and thought it would be a great investment for Emporia State and the community.”
After the rededication ceremony, attendees were invited to take a ceremonial lap around the newly installed track. Shortly afterward, the track team held a demonstration and tours were offered of the recently renovated Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) building. The evening concluded with the ESU Track and Field Reunion Dinner and Panel Discussion in the KSTC Ballroom.
The original Zola Witten Track was installed in 1993 and refurbished in 1998 and 2005. As part of the current resurfacing project, the track was stripped from the base and rebuilt with a new Benyon BS 100 surface. Benyon track surfaces are found in the world’s most renowned facilities and are designed for speed, competition and most important, daily training.
“I am so proud to come to work every day on this track,” said Steven Blocker, Emporia State head track and field coach. “We are very grateful to have such an outstanding facility to compete and practice in. I think it shows our level of commitment to our student-athletes’ success.”
Over the years, Zola Witten Track has been known as one of the nation’s top NCAA Division II facilities. It has hosted five MIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the past 19 years — in 1997, 2002, 2006, 2011 and 2012. Nationally, Zola Witten Track has hosted three NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in 1995, 1999 and 2006.
“For our student-athletes who run on the track, significant benefits of the new track are a safer, faster and better surface,” said Kent Weiser, executive director of intercollegiate athletics. “From a community standpoint, when you have new, state-of-the-art athletic facilities, that is the first impression of a city and of the university. People have a good first impression when you have cutting edge things. Our community has a sense of pride knowing what we have here is as good as any place in the country.”
About Now & Forever
Now and Forever: The Campaign for Emporia State University, set out with a working goal to raise $45 million through the most comprehensive campaign in university history. Determined to build spirit, camaraderie and a sense of pride of Hornet Nation, the campaign has now reached $50 million and is still climbing. Bell-ringing ceremonies are designed to celebrate the generosity of alumni and friends. By ringing Silent Joe during each celebration, we announce to the world that the Hornet Nation is Silent No More.
For information about how you can be a part of Now & Forever, the Campaign for Emporia State University, before the campaign closes on Dec. 31, 2016, please contact campaign manager Carol Cooper at 620-341-6463.