The full track program, plus the men's cross country team, was in jeopardy of being disbanded without $250,000 in fundraising. Now, the Seahawks have at least one more year, and a chance to secure the program for the long term.
The first race is over, and Save UNCW Track has won! The organization raised $255,000 by the end of May, exceeding its target by $5000 and therefore reaching the goals set by the UNCW administration. That prevents the track program (and men's cross country) from being disbanded immediately, preserving one of the most successful teams at the University and one of the biggest recruiters of North Carolina high school talent. Save UNCW Track Chairman Roy Love released the following statement:
The Save UNCW track committee is thrilled that the community of Wilmington, track supporters, corporations, small businesses and even elementary school runners from Bellamy elementary school combined their effort and showed UNCW the importance of track field and cross country in their lives. In three short hectic months we raised over $255,000. Thank you all for sharing in this accomplishment.
Our goal to save UNCW track was much more than track, it involved diversity, healthy lifestyles, leadership and commitment to UNCW student athletes. The passion embraced by the UNCW track athletes, coaches, parents, road runners, and the members of the community of support across the country has spoken. Diverse, inter gender healthy relationships and teamwork, reflected in track, builds a better UNCW, Wilmington community and world.
Soon, the organization begins the second leg of its journey: helping UNCW's athletic department raise $1,000,000 for a complete renovation of the track facility. If that goal is met, then the administration has indicated the program could be saved indefinitely. For now, though, the efforts of Save UNCW Track, the UNCW athletes and coaches, and the community have bought the program another year, and that's something to celebrate.