AUSTIN, Texas—On Feb. 24, 2009, Concordia University Texas Athletic Director, Dan Huntley, announced the addition of men's and women's track and field to the University's Athletic Program. Concordia track and field will begin competing in the 2009 - 2010 academic year. Current sport sponsorships include men's and women's cross country, basketball, golf, soccer and baseball, as well as women's softball and volleyball.

The NCAA DIII sport sponsorship requirements played a role in deciding to add the track and field program. Currently, NCAA DIII requires an institution to sponsor a minimum of ten sports, which includes sponsorship of a minimum of 5 women's sports, as well as 5 men's and women's team sports during the fall, winter and spring seasons.

This past fall, Concordia transformed its campus by completing construction and moving the entire campus from its original Downtown Austin campus of 23 acres to its current location in Northwest Austin, near Lake Travis, on 385 acres. One of the major reasons for relocation was due in part to the limitation of space on the old campus. The new campus provides ample space for new athletic facilities and will allow Concordia's Athletic Program to grow over time as well.

“As an Athletic Director, I feel that part of my responsibility to the University is to seek and maintain sport sponsorships that are productive in recruiting and retaining student-athletes, as well as provide a positive experience for the University's student-athletes, fans and community,” Huntley stated. “It is our responsibility to build a vibrant and comprehensive athletic program that will provide opportunities for students to participate and represent Concordia in a positive manner.”

Much thought and deliberation went into the decision to propose a men's and women's track and field program. Consideration was especially given to budget, as well as the number of students needed to fulfill team sponsorship and facility needs. A proposal was provided to the University Ad Council for review and was received with unanimous approval on Feb. 13, 2009.

Current men's and women's cross country coach, Alex Aldaco, currently a part-time University employee has been selected as the new coach for men's and women's track and field program. He will become a full-time head coach with his additional coaching duties.

“The addition of track and field to our sport sponsorships will have a direct effect on the quality and number of cross country student athletes we can recruit and will allow them to become dual sport athletes,” Aldaco said. “We plan on recruiting and filling all areas of our track and field programs with student-athletes immediately in order to prepare them for participation in sprint, distance and field events next spring.”

Huntley added, “I am proud to continue to work for our coaches, to seek additional opportunities for student-athlete participation and to enhance our student life program.”