N.C. A&T TO HOST NCAA REGIONAL

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

 GREENSBORO, N.C., October 12, 2004 – N.C. A&T has been awarded the 2006 Track and Field NCAA East Regional, as announced today by N.C. A&T’s director of track programs Roy Thompson.

The approval of the East Regional to N.C. A&T, by the Division I Championship Cabinet makes N.C. A&T the first Historically Black College or University 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  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 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 state-of-the-art track surface, the Aggies hosted the Russell Blunt East Coast Invitational.

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