With the track and field team being over 85 years old at Keene State College, the editors of The Equinox believe it should be treated with a lot more respect.
The Equinox reported in April of 2022, Melinda Treadwell announced an “inflatable dome track facility” which was in its infancy stage. The proposal made its way to the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) Board of Trustees, but was denied. The dome was hoped to be completed for the 2023-2024 academic year.
We feel it is nothing short of tragic that the deserving student athletes on the track and field team do not have a dedicated facility. The university system turning down requests for the proper facilities the team deserves in infuriating and insulting. The team has provided so much talent for the college and their reward seems to be getting spat in the face.
With the track and field team doing incredible we wonder if this could be a reason the board does not see a facility would improve their efforts. This line of thinking ultimately takes the spectacular work the team has provided for granted. The team has put in intense effort to get where they are and they should be compensated for their hard work.
We are also concerned for the safety of athletes and know they will prosper more with an indoor track provided. If the team had a dedicated facility, it is possible they would preform better and more comfortably.
Student-athletes should feel safe when they are training and putting in their best effort. There is no excuse to put anyone in danger, especially when the reputation of the college depends on them. We assume the college and the university system does not want its reputation among student-athletes to dwindle when there is a lot of need for retention.
With all the talk of Keene State College seeking retention, there seems to be a disconnect between words and actions. The school could be receiving the retention they desperately need by constructing a facility of this kind. Additionally, with more respect provided to the champions that give Keene State College the clout it needs to thrive, the more likely students are to stay and give back.
While we understand the college is making and has made efforts in the past to construct a track facility, these efforts should be moving faster. As the team grows larger and more successful with every season, the need for a track increases as well.
