JAMAICA, NY --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) The next chapter of York College soccer and track & field took a huge step forward Monday when a formal groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new soccer turf field and outdoor track surface, marking a momentous next step in York's continuing capital project efforts.

Joining York College President Berenecea Johnson Eanes in the groundbreaking ceremony for welcoming remarks were CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Queens Borough President Richards, New York City Council Deputy Chief of Staff (District Chief of Staff) Tyrell "Ty" Hankerson and men's cross country, and track & field student-athlete Glenver Stuart.  Also joining the ceremony were other community leaders and elected officials, along with student-athletes and coaches from York's soccer and track & field teams.

"We are excited that the new facility not only benefits York College students but the entire community too, as the space will also serve as a recreational site for Southeast Queens families, community groups, and local sports teams.  The dedication of elected officials and neighboring organizations, who worked in collaboration with the College for more than a decade to make this dream a reality, demonstrates that we are truly One York. We are thankful for the funding provided by the Office of the Queens Borough President, NYC Council, and the State of New York to make this long-awaited renovation a reality," said President Johnson Eanes.

Slated for completion in June 2024, the $7.8 million facility will replace and expand upon the previous site of play for the soccer and track & field teams (157th and 160th streets between Liberty Avenue and Tuskegee Airmen Way).  As the only National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-level track & field in Southeast Queens,  the brand new six-lane outdoor 400-meter MONDO track surface, long jump runway strips, and pole-vaulting opportunities will be installed by Fidelis Contracting, while the NCAA regulation synthetic turf soccer field in its center will be A-Turf® Titan. 

"It has been a long time coming that our student athletes can practice and play track & field and soccer in our own backyard. We are beyond excited and thrilled for them to be able to see this day come to fruition. It will be a game changer for us in so many ways. The ability to host athletics contests in our own backyard is exciting for the entire campus and the community."-said York College Interim Director of Athletics Zak Ivkovic

The project also includes a 4-tier grandstand seating located at the end of the 100-yard dash, mid-field bleacher seating, a Daktronics full LED video board 14'x25' scoreboard along with media and official scoring platforms, stadium wide audio system and sports medicine treatment space.
 

"The new track means a new beginning for the program. It brings new development and new ideas. The facilities will help bring people to the community and what we have in the program," said Stuart.

"A-Turf is proud to have been selected as the synthetic turf provider for the new Sports Complex at York College.  We will be installing our industry leading, Titan system. The A-Turf Titan system sets the standard for aesthetics, durability and performance through a combination of monofilament and XP fibers.  This "Hybrid" system provides an amazingly robust, plush and natural looking surface.  The Titan also provides an ideal playing field for Soccer, as it closely resembles natural grass in pristine condition. Assuring natural ball bounce and roll, along with stability and safety. A-Turf is also the Official Synthetic Turf provider for the NPSL (National Premier Soccer League).  The Titan system at York College will be the exact same system A-Turf installed at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo and is the home field for the NFL's Buffalo Bills," said A-Turf National Director of Soccer Jim Kilmeade.

After having last competed on campus in 2011, men's soccer (6), men's track & field (12), and women's track & field (6) account for 24 of York's 31 CUNYAC Championships. 

What They Are Saying

"When completed, this new track and athletic field at York College will benefit all New Yorkers and keep our student athletes competitive. CUNY campuses are anchors in their communities, providing neighborhoods with libraries for learning, space for conferences and fields for exercise. No one understands our value better than our city and state leaders and I'm grateful to Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, Council Speaker Adams, Queens Borough President Richards, Jr., and all elected officials for investing in our infrastructure so CUNY can stay on track for success," said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez.

"York College is not just a bastion for higher education, scholarship, and athletic achievement, but also a major institution that serves the entire Southeast Queens community," said NY City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. "The new NCAA-level track and field facility will benefit students, residents, local sports teams, and all community members for generations to come. I'm proud to have allocated significant funding for this important project, and the Council will continue to invest in the success of our communities. Our local athletes and students deserve a track and field worthy of their greatness, and I'm excited for them to follow in the footsteps of Dalilah Muhammad, Natasha Hastings, and many others who hail from Southeast Queens," added the Speaker.

"York College is a jewel of the CUNY system, and the construction of this new, state-of-the-art track and field will only enhance the College's ability to offer a first-class experience to its students. The project will also greatly benefit local residents, who have long been in dire need of more recreational facilities. I'm proud to have allocated $1 million to this effort, as our goal as a borough continues to be ensuring high-quality open space is accessible to all, regardless of ZIP code or socioeconomic status. This project will bring us closer to accomplishing that important mission," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the groundbreaking of the new track and field at York College. This momentous occasion marks a triumph for our community, providing our talented athletes with a local state-of-the-art facility to showcase their skills and inspire generations to come," said New York City Councilmember Nantasha Williams who represents District 27 in Southeast Queens.

"This new track shows the major investment not only in our student-athletes but within the surrounding community. This track will help to bring forth a rebirth of our track & field program," said York College men's and women's track & field head coach Jamal Wilkerson

"The new facilities will enable our program to take a step towards our goal of bringing a first-class soccer experience to our student-athletes, the school, and the community. We are appreciative of the administration and all the parties involved in this project for their commitment to furthering the opportunities for excellence in our women's program," said York College women' soccer head coach Winston Willabus

"This is going to be great for students, the coaches, and for the community," said York College men's soccer assistant coach Brahim Chhab 

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