University of North Carolina Athletics
Belk Track To Host Dennis Craddock Relays
March 15, 2017 | Track & Field
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Historic Irwin Belk Track at Fetzer Field, home of North Carolina's track and field program since the 1930s, will host its final track meet March 17-18 at the Dennis Craddock Carolina Relays.
The Tar Heels will move into a new state-of-the-art track and field facility off Finley Golf Course Road next season.
“Because this is our first outdoor meet, we'll have several events competing for the first time this year, including the steeplechase, the javelin, the hammer and discus throw and the 400 meter hurdles,” said head coach Harlis Meaders. “This meet gives those athletes a chance to compete for the first time and show what they can do.”
Seven college teams and more than 27 high schools will participate in the meet, which is named in honor of Dennis Craddock, who served as the Tar Heels' head coach for 27 seasons (1986-2012) and accrued 45 ACC Championship titles during his tenure. Campbell, East Carolina, Manhattan, North Carolina Central, NC State and UNC Wilmington are all slated to compete.
The Tar Heels have several athletes making their collegiate debut, including Connor Peeples in the 800 meters, Henry Pehr in the mile, Erin Edmundson in the 800 meters, Tamira Gitonga in the 400 meter hurdles, McKinley McNeill in the sprints and Daniel McArthur in the throws.
“We're excited to see what happens with our younger athletes who are competing for the first time,” said Meaders.
Anyone in attendance on Saturday afternoon can participate in one final walk around the iconic Carolina Blue oval, which will take place following the conclusion of the 4x400m relay race at approximately 4 pm.
“This will be the bell lap for this great facility,” said Meaders. “Anyone is invited to join us as we walk a ceremonial closing lap around the track. I was delighted to have the opportunity to compete and coach at this facility and it has been a part of many special memories in my life.”
On Friday evening, 1996 U.S. Olympian Joan Nesibt, a 1984 UNC graduate, will attempt to set a World Record in the mile run for her age group (50-54).
The track and field program is also hosting a reception in Eddie Smith Field House following the meet for alums and distinguished guests to celebrate the final competition and share remembrances of the facility.
Carolina's new track facility on Finley Golf Course Road will be ready for competition in 2018. The facility will feature a 400-meter, eight-lane track and two adjacent practice fields that will serve as warm-up areas at home events. Also included is a 500-seat grandstand, LED video board and LED sport lighting.
“The new facility will be a beautiful venue with a Bynum surface and multiple jumps and throws arenas,” said Meaders. “The additional practice fields will give us space for long grass runs and training. It will also give us an opportunity to hold many more home competitions. We're excited about the move.”
Make sure to follow @unctrack_field for live results of North Carolina's performances as they happen throughout the weekend. A recap of the competition will be posted on GoHeels.com following the conclusion of the Dennis Craddock Carolina Relays.
