Nov. 9, 2006
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri Athletics Department has received a $1 million gift pledge from Audrey J. Walton of Versailles, Mo. for expansion and renovation of the Audrey J. Walton Track- Soccer Stadium. The funds will be used to finance the resurfacing of the 10-year old track and the creation of a world-class competitive throws field just north of the track complex. The project, underway since early August, will be complete in late November 2006. Walton Stadium has hosted three Big 12 Conference Outdoor Championship meets and will host the 2007 NCAA Mideast Regional Track and Field Championships.
"The University of Missouri track and field program is so close to my heart and I am so proud of all that Coach McGuire, the staff and his team have accomplished," said Walton, whose $1 million gift in 1998 made possible the outdoor track stadium and soccer field built in 1996. "It is very important that we continue to provide the very best for our students at Mizzou as we attract the best and brightest to our University."
As part of the renovation, the track surface at Walton Stadium was recently completely replaced, repainted and calibrated resulting in an international competition level surface. Additionally, new fixtures were installed around the track for the field and jump events. Currently under construction is a new throws field for the hammer throw and discus, as well as the addition of two shot put rings, a practice javelin runway, and the expansion of the current competition put sector to accommodate for a world record performance. The throws arena will be located north of Walton Track Stadium. Walton's gift is the sole funding source for the entire renovation and expansion. The gift will be paid in full prior to the end of 2006.
"We are so thankful for Mrs. Walton's generosity to the track program and to Mizzou," said Mizzou Director of Athletics Mike Alden. "Mrs. Walton and her family have been long time supporters of the vision of Mizzou. She has consistently set the standard for support of the University of Missouri."
Prior to the construction of Walton Stadium in 1996, Mizzou Track and Field competed without an outdoor home for 18 seasons. Since the opening of Walton Stadium, Mizzou has earned 44 Big 12 individual championships and 69 student-athletes have earned NCAA Outdoor Track and Field All-American honors. In addition to multiple national and international successes in recent competition, Mizzou Track and Field has earned 34 consecutive USTFCCCA Academic All-American women's team honors. Walton Stadium has also served the Mid-Missouri community through its use for Show-Me State Games, Show-Me State Senior Games, Special Olympics of Missouri, the AAU Region 8 Championships and the Missouri Relays, an open event for high schools and colleges across the Midwest.
"We can't say enough about Mrs. Walton's commitment to our program and to our University," said Dr. Rick McGuire, Head Track & Field Coach. "She has made it her mission to distinguish Mizzou with maybe the finest complex in collegiate track and field. Without her loyal support and friendship, we could not accomplish all that we have and all that we will."
The For All We Call Mizzou capital campaign at Mizzou continues its momentum toward a goal of $1 billion. Including Walton's pledge to Mizzou Track and Field, more than $717 million has been raised to date, including $122.8 million given to the Department of Athletics. Mizzou is one of 14 public institutions in the country to undertake a capital campaign with a goal of $1 billion or more. The For All We Call Mizzou campaign continues through December 31, 2008.