The Robert “Pete” Griffin track has run its course. The cross-country, track and field team and the community will have a new and improved facility to use by the end of the summer.
The Office of Facilities Planning & Construction met with FAMU Athletics Wednesday to discuss upgrades for the track. They will develop a new facility for the athletic teams to train on that is also open for community use.
The cost to enhance the track is still being developed. It will be an all-weather Ruba-Turf running surface. The renovations will also include a new field house and storage area with new restrooms and an upper-level press box.
The original track was built in 1980 and has been used to host the annual FAMU Relays, MEAC Outdoor Championships and regional high school events.
FAMU Associate Athletic director, Michael Smith, says one of the goals of the new track is to host more meets and activities to garner community involvement.
“It’s going to be great for students, coaches and the community that need to use the facility it will also aid in recruiting,” said Smith.
The Robert “Pete” Griffin track has been closed since January. The community is eager to see the changes that will be put in place. Before the track closed, India Hinton a fourth-year biology student use ran twice a week on the track.
“I used the track all the time for personal use. When it reopens, I will be there twice as much for my workouts,” said Hinton.
Provisions have been made for track athletes to practice at local facilities. Freshmen Cory Jones, a pre-pharmacy student from Miami, and Dennis McGee, a pre-engineering student from Gainesville, are both members of the men’s track and field team and can’t wait to practice on the new turf.
“We still get the same amount of training practicing at the other facilities. Our practices are still the same,” said Jones.
McGee agreed and said it hasn’t affected his performance.
According to FAMU Sports Information, the FAMU Relays, which are held annually on the track, have been cancelled this year. They will return after the renovations are complete.