Dec. 12, 2005

Washington, DC - On Sunday, December 11, 2005, Georgetown University Director of Athletics Bernard Muir, Hoya Track & Field Head Coach Ron Helmer and current and former members of the GU track & field program gathered to dedicate the newly-renovated Duke Ellington Track. The Athletics Department and current members of the team wanted to honor those special individuals who helped make the new practice home of the Hoyas possible.

The 320-meter, four-lane synthetic track, located at 38th Street and Reservoir Road, will give the Hoya student-athletes a place to practice near campus on a daily basis and offer Washington, D.C. public schools in the area and community groups a place for recreational activities.

"Through the generosity of alumni and friends, our current student-athletes have something we've never had before," said Helmer. "We now have a practice facility on campus!"

Current Georgetown team captains led most of the people in attendance on a ceremonial lap around the new oval before a breakfast gathering in McDonough Arena. The track & field group then moved to MCI Center to watch the men's basketball team topple the Fairfield Stags from the suite level.

"Track & field alumni understood we had a genuine need for a practice facility in our own backyard," Helmer continued. "They helped us reach our goal and we wanted to show those generous folks we appreciate their assistance."

"The new track facility is extremely beneficial for everyone, our track program and the local community groups," added Helmer.

The GU men's and women's indoor track & field teams return to action on Saturday, January 7, 2006, when they travel to the Father Diamond Invitational in Fairfax, Va.