On February 1, 2020, the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s College of Maryland approved a proposal to develop and implement new varsity men’s and women’s track and field programs. The decision was made after a review of recommendations from a Board of Trustees Task Force, formed in 2019 at the request of President Tuajuanda C. Jordan. The proposal was submitted in response to a request for new academic and co-curricular programs that would attract students to the College.
“Adding this athletic program will help enhance the diversity of our student body and increase the competitiveness of the College’s cross-country program, attracting between 20 and 40 students per year who may not have previously considered attending St. Mary’s College,” said President Jordan. “Additionally, the upgrade to the track would provide a resource to the community.”
Beginning this summer, renovations to the current track in order to prepare the surface to be compliant with NCAA regulations will begin and are expected to be completed fall 2020.
A $400,000 gift to the College's Foundation for the track renovations is courtesy of a benefactor-- William Seale. Seale is currently a member of the St. Mary's College of Maryland Board of Trustees and a former member of the SMCM Foundation Board of Directors. He is a partner in the ProFunds Group and professor emeritus of finance at The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., where he served as chairman of the department of finance and senior associate dean of the business school.
“This is an exciting time for Seahawks Athletics with the announcement that men’s and women’s track and field will be added as varsity sports here at St. Mary’s College. These two programs will be great enhancements to our menu of athletic teams,” said Scott Devine, director of athletics and recreation. “We look forward to hiring a coach this coming fall, and phasing in the track portion in fall of 2021.”
President Jordan remarked, “The College is in the midst of running a marathon as we learn to fully embrace our position as The National Public Honors College. What a perfect time to initiate a track and field program!”
