Grace Breaks Ground On Track Facility [VIDEO]
WINONA LAKE – Grace College celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for a new track and field complex on Wednesday afternoon.
The Bernard and Linnie Key Track and Field Complex will mark a new era for Grace Athletics, allowing the Lancers to have an outdoor home for the first time in school history.
The track, scheduled for completion in the fall of 2016, is named to honor Bernard and Linnie Key. The Keys were residents of South Bend whose lineage includes several Grace graduates. Since their deaths in 1962 and 1992, the family has looked for an opportunity to honor their legacy. The Keys decided to donate a catalytic gift to Grace to begin the track and field complex, and the project was set into motion.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to enhance our athletics department,” said Grace President Dr. Bill Katip. “The Keys’ family gift was an answer to prayer. Their legacy will live on here at Grace for many years to come.”
Watch The Groundbreaking Ceremony
The complex will include a 400-meter nine lane competition track, discus and hammer throw cages, high jump zone, dual-direction pole vault runway, long jump pits, javelin throw and shot put event areas, grandstand seating for 400 and a press box.
“The Keys’ family gift is a tremendous blessing to our track and field programs as well as to our campus and community,” said Grace Athletic Director Chad Briscoe. “The new complex allows us to continue pursuing Christian excellence through the sport of track and field. We desire to provide positive life experiences for out student-athletes, and the new track provides an increased platform for Coach Raymond, his staff and the athletes to impact lives for Christ.”
The complex will serve as a reminder of the Keys’ valued principles of knowing the Word of God and running with perseverance the race marked out for us. The Keys were committed to their seven children and to honoring God with their time and finances. “Although not wealthy, my parents shared generously, trusting God to provide for their needs,” said Margaret Key, daughter of Bernard and Linnie.
Grace track and field head coach Jeff Raymond said: “The new facility will be a huge boost to our track and field program. It will benefit our current student-athletes and help us attract new athletes in the future. The facility will enhance our training opportunities, both in-season and out-of-season, and will allow us to host home meets for the first time in Grace’s history. We are very thankful for those that have made this possible, and we look forward to seeing how the Lord can use the facility to impact lives in the coming years.”
Drew Flamm, Vice President for Advancement, commented: “The donors for this project have invested their time, talent, and treasure to make the athletic program and our whole institution better. We have big plans for Grace College and Seminary, and so do our donors. We pray this is the one of many transformational gifts that makes a lifelong impact on students.”
To be a part of the Bernard and Linnie Key Track and Field Complex, visit www.gclancers.com/newtrack for giving opportunities and contact information.