Right on Track

Biddle Field renovations set to begin

April 15, 2008

With workers in the background, a runner races by on the outdoor track, which will be expanded to eight lanes from six as part of a $2.8 million upgrade to Biddle Field.

The Biddle Field complex will soon undergo a $2.8 million upgrade that will include a new, bigger track with a steeplechase water jump, lighting, artificial turf and improved entrances with new landscaping and sidewalks.

Renovations are scheduled to begin April 21 and should be completed by the start of the new academic year. The college will need to remove three of its 11 tennis courts to make room for the all-weather track, which will be expanded to eight lanes from six. The project is primarily being funded through the generous support of alumni and parents.

"We're very excited and it's something that is obviously long overdue. It is very important for us to complete this project to maintain our competitiveness in the recruitment of student athletes," said Director of Athletics Les Poolman.

The replacement of grass with synthetic field turf will open Biddle Field—home to the football and lacrosse teams—to more activities, Poolman said. Visitor-side bleachers will be replaced with new, handicapped-accessible seating.

The existing track, which shows visible signs of wear, has no steeplechase water jump. The addition of two lanes will enable top runners to compete in the same heat rather than separate heats. The new track could make Biddle Field more appealing as a site for major track meets, though the primary purpose of the upgrade is for the benefit of Dickinson athletes.

Field of dreams

"The upgrade to eight lanes brings us up to the standard size track, permitting us to sponsor large invitational meets and host the Centennial Conference championships that require a point-scoring system of eight places to match the eight lanes," said track and field coach Don Nichter. "The new synthetic surface will permit us to train more effectively and with better cushioning properties and less injury."

Poolman said that once the work is completed, second-phase plans, when sufficient funds are available, will include a new weight room, new bathrooms and locker rooms and a renovated press box. Long-range athletics department goals include additions and renovations to the Kline Athletics Center facilities, Poolman said.

Like his runners, Nichter is taking the improvements one step at a time.

"The current facility is the second-oldest all-weather facility in the state of Pennsylvania," Nichter said. "We are excited to move this project forward and improve the quality of the track and field program."