Marshall University’s new indoor athletic facility, the Chris Cline Athletic Complex, has already made an impact on the university’s athletes.

Bethany Drury, junior track and field team member, said the facility is a huge advantage for the team.

“Everything that we have now is the best quality,” Drury said. “And that alone plays a large role in the psychological aspect.”

Before the new indoor athletic facility was constructed, the team traveled to a local high school for its practices. 

“The old practice facility required us to drive to Huntington High School and lug around our equipment,” Drury said. “And when you consider the travel time that was involved, it made things that much more difficult.” 

Isatu Fofanah, sophomore track and field team member, said she thinks the new facility is a stepping-stone for the future of the track program at Marshall.

“It’s a gateway for great opportunities,” Fofanah said. “Having a facility like this can redefine an athletic program. Hopefully, great athletes across the country will take notice and want to attend.”

Fofanah said she hopes having a major athletic facility at Marshall will soon lead to the addition of a men’s track and field team. The university cut the men’s track and field program after the 2003 season.

“Hopefully, men’s track will be a part of the Herd family again in the future,” Fofanah said. “That would be great for the school.”

The track and field team hosted its Thundering Herd Invitational at the new indoor facility last Friday and Saturday. Its next match will be the Akron Invitational in Akron, Ohio this Friday and Saturday.

Malcolm Walton can be contacted at [email protected].