University of Tennessee Athletics
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE ATHLETICS TO HONOR LaPORTE FAMILY
January 05, 2006 | Women's Track
Nov. 23, 2005
The University of Tennessee Athletic Department will recognize the LaPorte family of Elizabethon, Tenn., and Houston, Texas, on Friday, Nov. 25 at 4 p.m. at Tom Black Track for their generous gift to support athletic facility improvements through STEP UP - The Campaign for UT Athletic Facilities.
In recognition of their generous support, the track stadium will now be named LaPorte Stadium. The track itself will continue to be referred to as Tom Black Track, named after the prominent Knoxville businessman whose generosity led to the beginnings of the track facility that exists today.
"Partnerships are key to much of the University's success, and the LaPorte family represents all the best in partnering opportunities," said Dr. John Petersen, president of the University of Tennessee. "We are grateful for their generosity and for the exceptional relationship and friendship that come with it."
During STEP UP - The Campaign for UT Athletic Facilities, the track facility received numerous enhancements including the resurfacing of Tom Black Track, the construction of new restrooms and concession stands, and the installation of a color video board. Current ongoing improvements include the addition of a new entrance on Volunteer Boulevard with brick pillars and wrought iron fencing, replacing the current chain link fencing to keep with the University's master plan for campus beautification.
"We greatly appreciate the investment of the LaPorte family in Tennessee athletics," said Mike Hamilton, men's athletic director. "Their gift will provide funds to improve numerous athletic facilities and ensure that we continue to compete for championships in every sport. We look forward to celebrating our next national championship in track with them at LaPorte Stadium."
The Tennessee men's and women's track and field/cross country programs are among the nation's most successful. Tennessee's men have won five NCAA titles and a league-best 67 SEC team titles. Tennessee's women have won an AIAW outdoor title, an NCAA indoor title and 11 SEC team titles in track and field and cross country.
The STEP UP Campaign continued the University of Tennessee's commitment to offering world-class facilities in which Volunteer student-athletes study, train and compete. More than 870 donors committed $28.61 million toward new, renovated and expanded facilities benefiting nearly all of UT men's and women's intercollegiate teams in their quest to compete for SEC and NCAA championships.
Other facilities funded through the STEP UP Campaign include the football locker room in Neyland Stadium, as well as the Wolf-Kaplan Hospitality Center, an expansion of the indoor practice field at the Neyland-Thompson Sports Complex, the construction of the McKenzie Athletics Center, the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center, an intercollegiate golf complex, Regal Soccer Stadium and the new softball stadium.
