SAU athletics announces the renewal of the men’s and women’s track programs

Southern Arkansas University and its athletic department are pleased to announce the renewal of the men’s and women’s track and field programs starting in the fall of 2014.

The programs will compete under the NCAA classification of outdoor track and field and will have their championship season in the spring of every year. The renewal announcement was made by SAU President, Dr. David F. Rankin and SAU director of athletics, Steve Browning in late May.

“The resurgence of track and field provides a tremendous opportunity for current and future students at Southern Arkansas University,” said Rankin. “With the recent Bachelor of Science in Engineering approval and now the addition of track and field, SAU continues to make significant strides in providing both a strong educational and athletics experience to its students.”

“We are excited that a once very successful track program is being revitalized at SAU,” added Browning. “Track and field will be a welcomed and great addition to the growth and success of Mulerider Athletics.”

Current men’s and women’s head cross country coach Tim Servis will serve as the head coach for both the men’s and women’s track programs. Since the announcement in May that SAU track and field is returning, Servis has recruited an incoming class of 51 newcomers between the men’s and women’s teams.

The renewal of men’s and women’s track at SAU comes after a brief hiatus following the 2010 season. Prior to the temporary discontinuation of the programs, SAU track enjoyed tremendous success within the sport, particularly when SAU was member of the former Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference (AIC).

As members of the AIC, the Southern Arkansas men’s and women’s track programs combined to win 12 conference championships. Five of those championships belonged to the women’s team and came in succession as the Lady Muleriders captured the final five AIC women’s track championships.

Additionally, the two programs combined to have 95 athletes earn All-AIC recognition. Many of those athletes also received all-conference honors multiple times in their careers.

With their combined success at the conference level, both men’s and women’s track teams also make their mark on the national scene as 51 total athletes earned NAIA All-America distinction.

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