Jim Mize Track and Field Complex


Beginning in March 2008, construction began on a new track facility adjacent to Joe Aillet Stadium at Louisiana Tech University.

Since the sport of track has changed drastically from the time the old track at Tech was constructed in the 1970s, several updates were needed. Furthermore, because the new track was being built in the same area as the previous one, the old track needed to be completely removed.

One of the many upgrades with the new track is a practice field in the middle, which can be used for soccer and football. To accommodate the need, the new track needed to be wider than the previous one.

"The new facility allows us to practice better and more efficiently," Tech head men's and women's track coach Gary Stanley said. "It also contains several throwing and jumping areas so our teams can practice at the same time."

The facility, completed in August 2008, includes a better drainage system, a much bigger high jump apron and a new location for the steeplechase course. Now, the course is in the inside of the track. Previously, it was on the outside.

Stanley believes the new tartan surface track will not only benefit his teams physically, but psychologically.

"The facility will benefit us after we come home from a meet," Stanley said. "Now, we know we are coming home to a facility that is on par with the facilities we typically see."

The new facility also contains the resources needed to adapt to changes in the wind. For instance, if wind is present, the javelin, discus and shotput events can occur from two different areas. For runners, the starting blocks can be moved depending on the direction of the wind as well.

"Without a doubt, the new track facility will make a difference with recruits," Stanley said. "We now have a first class facility for our athletes who are getting a first class education and that is something we really stress in our program."

Along with the new track is a new sand volleyball court located on the north end of the track. Like the new track, the volleyball court can also be illuminated.

The court will be used for intramural sand volleyball and as a training tool for the football team.

On Nov. 1, 2008, Tech President Dr. Dan Reneau announced that the track facility would once again be named the Jim Mize Track and Field Complex.

Mize attended Tech as an athlete from Fair Park High School in Shreveport, La. and later came back to the university as a coach. He coached football alongside Aillet and Maxie Lambright for 24 years. During his time at Tech, Mize also built a consistent track program. As a track coach, he won conference championships in 1961, 1973 and 1974.