Hancock Seeks Former Track Athletes for Grand Opening

The race is on to find former Allan Hancock College track athletes to help celebrate the college's new track and fields.

The college and its athletics department are planning a grand opening for Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the track on the Santa Maria campus. The event is for invited guests; however a public "Sports of All Sorts" youth field day is planned immediately following the ceremony.

Former Hancock track and field athletes are encouraged to RSVP for the event, which will include a complimentary barbeque. Six alumni will also be asked to form a team to participate in a special relay "race" to officially open the new track.

 "Who better to celebrate our new track than those alumni who participated in and understand what the intercollegiate track program is all about," said Kim Ensing, associate dean of kinesiology, recreation and athletics. "They will truly appreciate the vast improvements this new facility brings to our athletics program."

The facility features an eight-lane, state-of-the-art track and areas for field events. The project also created new soccer fields and a practice field for the football team.  The amenities allow Hancock to begin hosting meets in the spring of 2015, which would end a decades-long absence from campus.

"After 13 seasons as the track and field coach, I could not be more excited about the new track. It benefits how and when our student-athletes train. It will also be a huge asset in recruiting," said track and field head coach Louie Quintana.

Funding for the track was made possible through Bond Measure I, which voters passed in 2006 to support facility improvement. Track construction was also supported with funding from the city of Santa Maria.  

Former Hancock track and field athletes who are interested in attending the event are asked to call the Athletics Department at (805) 922-6966 ext. 3779 or click here to fill out an alumni questionnaire with contact information.

Immediately following the ceremony, children of all ages are invited to attend the "Sports of All Sorts" event from noon to 1:45 p.m., at the new facility. The free event opens with a "Fun Run," where kids will complete a lap around the new track before heading off to individual areas for football, soccer, rugby and track and field skills sessions.

The free event is organized by Hancock recreation management students and co-sponsored by the City of Santa Maria's Recreation and Parks Department. Participants will receive a commemorative ribbon and sport bottle, as well as a raffle ticket for a chance to win even more prizes. Registration opens at 11:45 a.m. at the track on the Santa Maria campus.