North Carolina A&T State University Athletics

Greensboro, N.C., February 16, 2005 - The N.C. A&T men's and women's track teams will head off to Landover, Md. for the 2005 MEAC Indoor Track Championships, which will be held Feb. 18-19 at Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Md.

The Aggies have competed in five events this season and have fared particularly well against premium competition, which has included opponents from the Atlantic Coast and Southeastern Conferences.

"I feel that we are head and shoulders above the conference in several events," said coach Roy Thompson. "I like where we are right now at this stage of the season, and I know we will compete and do well this weekend."

Admission is five dollars for adults and three dollars for children, students and senior citizens, per day. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

For a complete listing of events, log on to www.meacsports.com.

Directions

The Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex is located on 8001 Sheriff Road, adjacent to FedEx Field. To get to the facility from I-95 take exit 17B (202 North towards Bladensburg). Make a left onto Brightseat Road. Make a right onto Sheriff Road. Make left at the first light (Harvey Drive). Drive up the hill onto the grounds of the Complex.

Parking

Free parking is available at FedEx Field Green Lots B and D. No onsite parking is available. Call 301-583-2400 for directions to parking lots.

N.C. A&T TO HOST TRACK AND FIELD NCAA REGIONAL

N.C. A&T becomes first HBCU track program to be awarded NCAA regional

Greensboro, N.C. - 10/14/04 - The approval of the East Regional to N.C. A&T, by the Division I Championship Cabinet makes N.C. A&T the first HBCU to be awarded an NCAA track regional.

“I’ve been associated with North Carolina A&T State University for a long time, and this is one of the most significant events to ever be awarded to this university,’’ said track and field coach Roy “Space” Thompson.

“This is not only a great accomplishment for the university, but it’s a chance for us to showcase the city of Greensboro, the community and our athletics program. This is unprecedented for a (historically black college and university) to host a regional. So we’re looking to use the next 18 months to really put our outstanding university in the best light.”

The Irwin Belk Track, which surrounds the football field at Aggie Stadium, was dedicated on July 25, 2004. Prior to the dedication of the $1.5 million state-of-the-art track surface, the Aggies hosted the Russell Blunt East Coast Invitational.

“When I arrived here two years ago at North Carolina A&T, I kept hearing about this legendary track coach,’’ Davis said. “I’m thrilled we have a track facility suitable for a legendary coach. We’re looking forward to hosting many more events that will showcase an important part of our athletics program.”

Ten student-athletes represented the Aggies at the 2004 NCAA Track and Field East Regional in Gainesville, Fla. Randall’s Island in New York will host the 2005 East Regional before the N.C. A&T receives its opportunity.

AGGIE MEN AND WOMEN CROSS COUNTRY PACE THEIR WAY TO ANOTHER IMPRESSIVE SHOWING AT HAGAN STONE

Courtney Clark finishes fourth overall in the women’s 5K

Greensboro N.C., - October 2, 2004 – A week after an outstanding showing at the Greensboro Invitational, the Aggie men’s and women’s cross country teams returned to Hagan Stone Park with an even better showing.

The men and women’s teams placed first in their respective divisions at the Hagan Stone Cross Country Classic. The Aggie women finished ahead of South Carolina State in Division I. Running ahead of everyone in the division was junior Courtney Clark.

Clark finished in first within the division and fourth overall with a time of 21:30.3.

“I’m growing more and more impressed with our middle distance people every day,’’ men’s and women’s cross country coach Roy Thompson said. “I think they’re going to help our track program tremendously.”

Junior Claudine Smith finished second in Division I and 12^th overall with a time of 22:57.7, while sophomore Lillian Galloway came in fourth in the division and 20^th overall with a time of 24:06.8.

The men faired just as well, as they also outlasted S.C. State with a low score of 15. The top five spots in Division I were all occupied by Aggies, starting with senior Richard Walcott. His time of 29:04.2 helped him to a 13^th place finish overall.

The remaining top five in order were freshman Reggie McAfee (29:08.6, 15^th overall), freshman Travanni Jette (29:12.0, 16^th overall), freshman Alton Styron (29:53.3, 22^nd overall) and senior Eddie Vick (30:16.1, 23^rd overall).

The cross country teams run back into action on Oct. 16 at the North Carolina Cross Country Championships at Greenville, N.C.

AGGIE MEN AND WOMEN CROSS COUNTRY FINISH SECOND AT GREENSBORO INVITATIONAL

Travanni Jette finished third for the Aggie men

Greensboro N.C., September 25, 2004 – The Cross Country men and women both placed second at the Greensboro Cross Country Invitational at Hagan Stone Park on Sept. 25.

Coach Roy Thompson said it’s the best finish both programs have had in four years. Freshman Travanni Jette paced the men with a second-place finish and a time of 29:12.1. Senior Richard Walcott finished 5.6 seconds behind Jette in fourth place.

As a team the Aggie men finished with a combined score of 34 as they placed four runners in the top ten. The other two Aggies with impressive finishes were senior Eddie Vick who finished fifth with a time of 29:34.9, and freshman Reggie McAfee whose time 29:35.1 earned him a sixth place finish.

On the women’s side, the Aggies compiled a score of 44 as they came in second behind Longwood University’s 17 points. Junior Courtney Clark led the way for the Aggies with a time of 21:18.1 and 15^th place finish. Behind Clark was junior Lauren Taylor – 28^th place – with a time of 22:42.3.

“This was a step forward for our program,’’ Thompson said. “In the past, we’ve been a program known for sprinters. But we’re slowly starting to bring in middle distance runners, which is only going to help our cross country program.”

Track Dedication Highlights Russell Blunt Invitational

(Greensboro, NC) - 7/13/04 - After 24 years, Aggie Stadium finally has a complete track and field facility. The culmination of the Aggie Stadium Track Renovations will take place with the dedication of the surface, which will be held on Sunday, July 25, 2004, at Aggie Stadium.

The dedication will conclude the Russell Blunt East Coast Invitational, which will be held at the facility from July 23-25.

The track will be named Irwin Belk Track, in honor of Irwin Belk, retired owner of Belk Department Stores. Belk, a well known philanthropist, was honored last season for donating a sculpture of the Aggie Dog in the field entrance to Aggie Stadium. The dog is touched by each player and coach prior to the team's pre-game entrance.

"Finally, we have a track that the Aggie community can be proud of," remarked Roy Thompson, director of track and field programs at the University. "We will now compete with national level programs."