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The University of Utah Athletics
Utah Track And Field And Cross Country Utilizing Olympic Facility
1/13/2003 12:00 AM | Track & Field
Jan. 13, 2003
SALT LAKE CITY--The University of Utah track and field and cross country programs are enjoying a new partnership with the Utah Olympic Oval. The oval, dubbed as the "Fastest Ice on Earth" provides an indoor running track facility for year-round training available to Ute athletes. The teams train at the Oval on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with Tuesday and Thursday being spent on campus at the Bubble.
"Training at the Oval is a great turning point in our program," said Head Track and Field Coach Lisa Archer. "Not only will this allow our athletes the benefits of training on a full size track all season long, but it also allows the opportunity to host some indoor home track and field meets. This will increase our fan support as well as publicity in Salt Lake City and around the U. community."
During the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Oval played host to several record-breaking performances. In fact, 10 Olympic records were set last February. The Oval is still the home training center for USA Olympic gold medalist Derek Parra. It is located in Kearns, Utah, just west of Salt Lake City.
The $30 million facility consists of five acres under a clear span suspension roof and houses a 400-meter speed skating oval, two international ice sheets, a four-lane 442-meter running track, eight 110-meter sprint lanes and spacious locker facilities and team rooms. A running track, which has been marked according to NCAA and IAAF standards, was installed around the ice last year. A pole vault ramp has been built, while future plans include high jump and throwing areas along with long and triple jump pits.
"The Oval is a multi-sport facility, and the availability of an indoor track is an asset to the community," said Oval Program Director John McCorquindale. "It is a hidden treasure because no one expects to see a track around a speed skating oval."
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