Elon Tabbed to Host 2016 CAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

ELON, N.C. – Elon University was awarded to host the 2016 Colonial Athletic Association Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships, as approved by the league office on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The two-day event will take place May 6-7, at the Belk Track/White Field at the Jerry and Jeanne Robertson Track and Field Complex. The showcase will also give the Phoenix women’s track and field a chance to defend its league championship at its home facility. Last year, the maroon and gold earned its first-ever conference title and became the first Elon team to earn a CAA title in its inaugural year in the new league.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to host the CAA Track Championships next spring, especially coming off last year’s championship season for our women’s program,” said Elon Director of Athletics Dave Blank. “Hosting brings a great deal of value and excitement to the Elon and Burlington community and we’re thrilled to welcome our friends at CAA member institutions, as well as their families and friends, to our campus.”

The CAA outdoor meet becomes the third league championship event that Elon will host in the spring of 2016. The Phoenix will also host the CAA Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships on April 21-24.

“What an honor it is to host the CAA championships at Elon,” said Elon Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Mark Elliston. “We are excited for an opportunity to defend our title in front of our home crowd. Hosting this competition would not be possible without the continued support from President Lambert, Dave Blank, Faith Shearer, the Elon faculty and staff and local community. Our program is looking forward to a fun and exciting event.”

About the Jerry and Jeanne Robertson Track and Field Complex
The Jerry and Jeanne Robertson Track and Field Complex was named for the Burlington, N.C., couple who are longtime supporters of the university, student-athletes and Phoenix athletic programs. The Robertson’s provided a major gift for improvements to the track and field last summer including a complete track replacement and additional lights for the facility. In 2010, the Robertsons made a lead gift for renovations to Elon’s Alumni Gymnasium, where the university’s basketball and volleyball teams compete. In addition, the Robertsons have endowed multiple athletics scholarships and are among the most loyal fans at many Phoenix games.

Inside the complex is the Irwin Belk Track, which opened in the fall of 2002, and was named in honor of Charlotte businessman and philanthropist Irwin Belk. Also inside the track facility is White Field, which is named in honor of long-time Elon Director of Athletics Dr. Alan White.