purest_sport

I believe this forum has turned pathetic..You all need to spend your time in more productive ways.....Sports are important, but not life....this particular forums title "is to do with track and field and recognition..." To argue over plans that are in the infant stages still is ridiculous..What don't you all exchange names and meet in person to discuss...I'm sure you wouldn't have the same demeanor face to face as you do on this anonymous post.... I'm outta here..

Hello my friends... This is a forum to discuss track and field..Who decided to go off course and argue about facilities... An all purpose track and field stadium as well as having an indoor facility will allow for the following: 1. Ability to host major invitationals/championships and open meets open to the community. The third has been happening for two years now and attracts nealry 200 athletes each meet. (not bad for novices)! 2. Ability to host regional High school and NYS Championships. (sites change nearly every year) 3. No more interference of basketball bleachers being out getting in the way of our workouts and the team having to use the "blessed bubble"!!! 4. True "track and field fans/athletes" will come to pay homeage to the facilities. 5. Hey even, summer meets, Junior Olympics and Regional Championships can be hosted..as have been in the 80' and 90's at the current track facility.... all in all, some great things are in store..I don't know about 10,000 seats being necessary for the stadium. let's work on just getting a mere 1000 attendees at t a track meet and go from there

From my best knowledge ... I know recently that horizontal jumpers (long/triple jumpers), hurdlers, and middle distance runners have been the strongest event groups on the team. However, every event group has many solid, consistent athletes. The mentioned areas have contibuted the most points to team championhips...

Let the games begin!!!! How can track and field be promoted better? I want thought from as many people as possible. Even if you dislike track, your opinion is valued.

JHow, are you by any chance a thrower?

Good point with the recruiting stipulations....

Yes...Dyestat.com shows national rankings..What other events than distance do you see any Section II rankings in? I only see a few. The talent pool isn't here for a reason..Most high school programs lack any real depth and knowledge of coaching. In fact, I know many coaches who were distance runners and can't tell you a thing about jumps/hurdles/throws, sprints etc...This is a shame..The top track states whith best recruits are Texas, Florida and California. So, the pool that coaches have to choose from for a Division I athlete who resides in the area aren't that great. To promote the sport in the area, I'm aware that UAlbany is hosting a series of open competitions to the public this winter season. What a great wat to promote the sport! They even held a clinic a few weeks back where coaches led young kids in instructional presentations in event areas. The sport lacks prestige in USA when compared w/ Football, Basketball as a financial means for profit and school image.. The sad part is that despite other sports having many losing seasons (respectfully), and tracks historical success..The overall perceived image is that UAlbany is a building program for 6 years now, and let's have some patience for teams to develop to be more competitive in the conference..I agree that our school and teams are new to the National Ranks...I will say that track athletes over the years have showed they can beat some of the best athletes in the country who go to big schools (UCLA, Florida,, Michigan, Ohio State) The track team, at this point would fair in the top three teams in the prestigous Big East Conference. The only other sport I would say could do that at this time is the Volleyball team... Just making a point Yes, Vives is Track and Field Coach..X- Country has it's own identity and separate coach and season (fall) Distance runners generally continue their seasons on the Track team through May. This forum is a great way to exchange ideas..I hope you all can make it to the Championship.

I'm a former team member who loves the sport of track and field. I played just about every sport while growing up and was succesful. I was starting quarterback in High School. I Played baseball, volleyball and other sports. Something about Track and Field caught my attention in a way the other couldn't never accomplish. You see Track and Field, in my experience, is the purest sport form. Running, jumping and throwing go back thousands of years. It can't be compared to other sports. You have to be in track world to understand. It takes a lot of dedication to do what we do, and the rewards are for the most part instrinsic. So, actually, I don't understand the fuss. Personally, I don't compete for recognition. Yes, I like to perform for others to see what power the human body can exert, and how people awe at seeing someone put out everthing they have to give at one moment in time... The true recognition comes in conquering your own fears, and accomplishing your own goals. Others have a point when they say we fail to have many "home contests" You have to understand, the majority, I'm saying 90% of collegiate track teams in this country travel to compete. Most meets are Invitationals which attract numerous athletes from a high number of schools. We only have 1 meet at home, the Spring Classic in April. However, buses are taking fans to see both Indoor and Outdoor Championships. As far as recruiting, the answer is no, we don't have all the talent locally. Perhaps, in a few distance events. If you understand track..You have hurdles, sprints, middle distance, jumps, pole vault, throwing events and multi-events. I only know of less than 20 total local athletes who are impressive in only a few of these events areas. Get you facts straight! and Puerto Rico is a US territory... Coach Vives is a nationally recognized coach who has built a successful program - POINT BLANK.. Yes, we are in a world of our own at times..but I think that's what makes our sport so great. You have to have the desire from within....All other sports are a game..You WIN OR LOSE..However, track, also known as "ATHLETICS", is a pure sport due to it's instant measurable results....No depending on another player, except in relay...How did Michael Jordan feel for the early years of his career scoring so many points, but his team was garbage??? In our sport it's just you... But it has to be experienced to be understood. Pardon my bad English grammar. For those who particiapte, we have all the rewards we want and recognition from within. Should I really care about someone who doesn't understand my sport? Put it this way, it's EASY to play basketball, football and baseball..but I've seen countless "non-athletic" people, who are tall or just talk a lot play these sports in both high school and college...In track it's very visible who's talented and who's not, and on a Division I team, there are very few poor track athletes. My favorite quote is from Armory Track.com What Makes a Man Run? People can't understand why a man runs. They don't see any sport in it. Argue it lacks the sight and thrill of body contact. Yet, the conflict is there, more raw and challenging than any man versus man competition. For in running it is man against himself, the cruelest of opponents. The other runners are not the real enemies. His adversary lies within him, in his ability, with brain and heart to master himself and his emotions. - Glenn Cunningham The UALbany Track team has some of the finest all-around athletes you'll get a chance to see, and we always come through, when it's all on the line..... GO GREAT DANES!!!