Call Number:

UR.7.31

Repository:

Drexel University: Archives and Special Collections

Extent:

1.5 linear feet (2 containers)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], DU UR 7.31, Track and Cross-country records, 1947, 1970-1994, Drexel University.

Date:

1947, 1970-1994

Creator:

Drexel University.

Form:

Brochures, Correspondence, and Subject files

Abstract:

The Track and Field squad was among the first competitive sports teams formed at Drexel University in 1898, as part of the Department of Athletics. As early as 1911, the team competed at the Penn Relays, the oldest track and field competition in the United States. At the height of the program in the mid 1990s, there were six active track and field teams, which included both indoor and outdoor track and field teams for men and women, and men’s and women’s cross country teams. The teams were eliminated in May 1998, due to a budget deficit in the athletics department. The collection includes forms, statistics, and news about track and field events. It also includes a small amount of material about general team administration, as well as a limited number of brochures and information about other sports. The administrative series includes a few items regarding athlete recruitment and several unattributed and unidentified photographs. The preponderance of the material comes from the 1980s and early 1990s.

The Track and Field squad was among the first competitive sports teams formed at Drexel University in 1898, as part of the Department of Athletics. As early as 1911, the team competed at the Penn Relays, the oldest track and field competition in the United States. Exclusively a men’s sport, the team maintained its popularity at Drexel until 1952 when interest in the sport declined and the team disbanded. It reappeared briefly in 1954, but it was not until the spring of 1970 that the Men’s Track and Field team was officially reinstated. Women’s Track did not exist as part of the Drexel athletic programs until the fall of 1993.

At the height of the program in the mid-1990s, there were six active track and field teams, which included both indoor and outdoor track and field teams for men and women, and men’s and women’s cross country teams. The teams were eliminated in May 1998, due to a budget deficit in the athletics department. Track and Field is no longer a Drexel University sanctioned sports program. But, a competitive Club Team, or student created sports team, was officially recognized on September 28, 2000. The Track Club Team continues Drexel’s tradition of Track and Field by engaging in competition with other local college and university club teams, as well as organized competitions such as the Penn Relays.

The collection includes forms, statistics, and news about track and field events. It also includes a small amount of material about general team administration, as well as a limited number of brochures and information about other sports. The administrative series includes a few items regarding athlete recruitment and several unattributed and unidentified photographs. The preponderance of the material comes from the 1980s and early 1990s. It is unclear how robust a picture of Drexel University's track and field activities is presented here.

The collection is divided into three small series: "Track and Field events," "Administration," and "Other sports."