University of Virginia Library

Athletic Department Progress

Constructions To Begin

Plans for a new track and an
addition to University Hall seem to
be near reality.

Two years ago two trackmen,
Vince Derr and Ed Hardy, initiated
an ambitious plan to replace the
aging track facilities at Lambeth
Field. At last, enough money has
been collected to get the actual
construction under way.

The plans consist of a nine lane
tartan all weather track, shot put
circle, discus circle and throwing
area, javelin runway, high jump pit
and approach, long jump and triple
jump runways with two pits, and
another pit for pole vaulting.

Athletic Director Steve Sebo has
hopes that the new facility to the
west of University Hall will be
ready to use this spring. Mr. Sebo
said that once construction starts it
does not take long for the actual
surface to be laid. But as of yet,
bids have not been received.

Indications are that the University
Hall addition will get under way
in the late spring. The biggest
feature of this structure will be an
Olympic sized ten lane swimming
pool and diving well. This will
replace the antiquated pool now
being used in Memorial Gym.

A certain amount of the floor
space of the new building will have
to be used for instructional purposes.
Squash and handball courts
have therefore been included for
physical education classes as well as
for the enjoyment of the student
seeking recreation.

Head wrestling coach George
Edwards will also get a new
wrestling room in this structure.
The present wrestling room in
University Hall will be used for a
physical fitness room.

There are other plans now in
progress. Renovation of Memorial
Gym is now being considered.
Co-education of the University will
necessitate this move. A lot of work
has already been done.

Following the new track in the
not too distant future will be a new
baseball field, also to the west of
University Hall. Construction of the
field will be undertaken by the
Athletic Department with some
timely co-operation from the Planning
Department. A 1971 season
deadline is not an unreasonable
date for the field.

New tennis courts could also be
in the offing. Anyone who has ever
gone down to Lady Astor courts
only to find they are all taken
knows that there is a great demand
for tennis courts at the University.
The new courts would probably be
placed somewhere in the area
around University Hall.

With the University's enrollment
climbing, the Athletic Department
is busy trying to push their program
ahead to meet the needs of the
students and the teams.