Tom Samuels Track Photo Gallery  I  EKU Athletics Facilities

This week, we turn our attention to the home of the Eastern Kentucky University cross country / track and field program … Tom Samuels Track.
 
Dedicated in 1976 and named in honor of the former EKU track and field and football coach, Tom Samuels Track has been the training base for many All-Americans and Olympians over the years.

This summer, the track is undergoing a major facelift.

 
A Mondo Super X 720 surface is being installed. The state-of-the-art surface will be featured throughout the facility, including the high jump, javelin and steeplechase water jump areas, and the pole vault, long jump and triple jump runways.
 
Mondo has produced the world's top tracks for more than 40 years. Globally recognized as the fastest, most durable and environmentally safest track available, Mondo's Super X track has been used in eight Olympic Games.

"This new surface will greatly enhance the experience and the performance of our student-athletes," cross country / track and field head coach Cory Erdmann said. "It also provides a tremendous benefit to the university as a whole."
 
Tom Samuels Track features an infield which includes a 40-foot radius complete circle high jump area, a dual direction pole vault runway which is also convertible for jumps in either direction, a steeplechase facility with non-skid barriers and a water jump area, and an all-weather javelin area. The discus and shotput circles have a concrete surface and are located in the infield of the track.
 
The nine-lane, 400-meter track is designed so that the 100- and 200-meter dash, and the 110-meter hurdle events may be run in either direction, if necessary.