Pete Colazzo joked that he spent an inordinate amount of time in trucks over the years, transporting his teams to places around the Hudson Valley and borrowing space at local parks and nearby college facilities for practice.
It’s been a long routine for Marist College’s running teams, operating without a real field. They have done well and become among the top college programs in the area, but much of that success has required resourcefulness and generosity.
“Some days are more challenging than others, but we make it happen,” said Colazzo, a Marist graduate and longtime coach of the cross country and track and field teams. “One of our sayings within the team is: ‘Make plans, not excuses.’”
But the excitement was palpable, and word quickly spread, when Marist announced this week that it had made plans to build a race track on its Poughkeepsie campus, which could debut in 2025.
“My phone blew up like it was nobody’s business!” Colazo said with a chuckle. “I’ve heard from people I haven’t talked to in years who want to talk about this. The alumni are excited about this news, and the team is definitely excited.”
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With the approval of its Board of Trustees, the college launched a fundraising campaign, with the goal of raising at least $3.5 million for the project. Marist received its lead commitment of $1 million from Tim Tenney, a major donor for whom their current stadium is named. More than 100 people have already pledged to contribute since Monday, said Dr. Jeffrey Brackett, executive vice president of Marist.
The stadium will be built at the north end of campus and overlook the Hudson River, providing an attractive backdrop.
Not many schools within the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference have on-campus track and field facilities. So, Marist getting a sleek new look could make way for the college to host some local high school sporting tournaments and events.
Marist President Kevin Weinman said it would “introduce new audiences to Marist College” and perhaps attract potential students.
Brackett said they are still in the planning process and discussing logistics with experts, but work could begin next spring if all goes well. Their hope is to have the facility completed by early 2025 so it can debut the spring track and field season.
“We’ve talked about the need for infrastructure like this for years,” said Brackett, who credited Weinman with leading the project. “One of the first things he said when he came here was: ‘We have a great team without a track. “We analyzed and knew there would be widespread use of this facility; it would be a great support to our student-athletes and the community.
Project plans include replacing Marist North Field and its turf surface — used primarily for team sports — with a new artificial turf field. Surrounding this is an eight-lane running track.
The new facility will have dedicated areas for field events including long jump, triple jump, steeplechase and pole vault. The throwing events will be held in a redesigned space on campus adjacent to McCann Arena.
“Our applications (for enrollment) are up, alumni enthusiasm is up, and the college is on a great path,” Brackett said. “The timing is right for this project.”
Of course, the success of fundraising and construction, and its expected completion date, is not yet certain. There is still a lot of work ahead, Colazo said, “but to get to the starting line after all these years is amazing.”
Tenney Stadium will remain the home field for the soccer, soccer, and lacrosse teams. But having a second field available would alleviate the scheduling congestion that has sometimes forced teams to practice late at night.
The Marist cross country team often trains on the Dutchess Rail Trail, at Vassar Farms or Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls, scavenging any available stretch of land. Colazzo was effusive in thanking Vassar College and its coaches for allowing the Red Foxes “unlimited access” to their facilities.
But clearly having their own digs would reduce the inconvenience faced by the athletes, generate buzz, and perhaps enhance the reputation of the college and its track and field program.
“It will definitely help us be better,” said Colazo, who is 36 years old.y A year as head coach. “I think the biggest impact, probably, will be in recruiting. Having an on-campus facility to show potential athletes would be huge.”
Having an actual field would also help in the development of field athletes. The coach said Marist has produced talented players, but those athletes would certainly benefit from a dedicated facility, and the team could grow its roster of pitchers.
“My teammates and I will be really excited to have a track we can call home,” Kiana Paterana said in a statement. The junior holds the program record in the triple jump. “I’m thrilled to see the new heights our team will reach.”
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHines 4
Marist College is excited to announce a new fundraising campaign aimed at building a state-of-the-art turf field and track on campus. This much-needed addition will provide our students and athletes with a top-of-the-line facility for practices, games, and track and field events. With the support of our generous donors, we hope to create a space that will not only benefit our athletes but also enhance the overall campus experience for all members of the Marist community. We are dedicated to providing our students with the best opportunities for success both on and off the field, and this new turf field and track will play a crucial role in achieving that goal.