Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University family gathered to dedicate the Irwin Belk Track complex Wednesday. The Irwin Belk Track is the 41st track facility Mr. Belk has funded across the United States. “Irwin Belk’s love for Wingate did not begin today,” Wingate president Dr. Jerry McGee says. “This is a long-anticipated event...we are honored to be on the distinguished list of Mr. Belk’s beneficiaries.”
 
The Irwin Belk Track will benefit student-athletes, student recreation and the campus community. “In our wildest dreams, we didn’t envision a facility this beautiful,” Wingate vice-president and director of athletics Steve Poston says. “Mr. Belk…we hope you see from the excitement of our student-athletes…how deeply appreciative we are.”
 
Poston was quick to thank the athletic departments at Forest Hills and Monroe High Schools for their generosity through the last three years. Wingate’s track and field teams utilized practice time at both schools during the aforementioned time frame.
 
A strong contingent of track and field student-athletes attended today’s event…their excitement is palpable. “Having our own track facility makes a huge difference,” Wingate rising senior James Lawson (Wake Forest, N.C.) says. “The facility will give us more motivation to work hard…and hopefully defend our home track.”
 
“Our new track is beautiful,” Wingate rising senior Keeley Wood (Sanford, N.C.) says. “I think everyone is excited about the future of Bulldog track and field.”
 
“I am extremely grateful to Mr. Belk and the university for all they have invested in our program,” Wingate head track and field coach Joe Soehnlen says. “I am excited to watch this program continue to prosper and grow and to do so at our own beautiful track and field facility.”
 
Mr. Belk attended Wednesday’s events. He encouraged the Wingate student-athletes in attendance to strive for greatness in every endeavor. “I envision each one of you breaking records on this track,” Belk says. “I am grateful to Wingate for its commitment to excellence.”
 
The $1.5 million track facility is located next to the University’s Irwin Belk Stadium on 660 N. Main St. in Wingate. In addition to Dr. McGee, Mr. Poston and Mr. Belk, Wingate Board of Trustees chair Dr. Joseph Patterson and Wingate Minister to Students Rev. Dane Jordan participated in the dedication ceremony.
 
WINGATE UNIVERSITY

Wingate University, ranked as the 6th “best value” in the South by U.S. News & World Report, serves nearly 2,700 students on three campuses in Wingate, Matthews and Hendersonville, N.C. Founded in 1896, the University offers 35 undergraduate majors, 37 minors and career concentrations, numerous pre-professional programs, graduate degrees in business, accounting, education, physician assistant studies and sport administration, and doctorates in pharmacy, physical therapy and education.
 
With a 14 to 1 student/teacher ratio, Wingate students gain the tools and support needed to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life. To view current news, video and story ideas, visit www.youtube.com/wingateuniversity. 
 
In addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports. The University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past six years.
 
Wingate is first among NCAA Division II Academic All-America®-producing private colleges in the 2000’s with 52 selections. Among North Carolina’s colleges and universities, Wingate’s 52 Academic All-America® honorees is second (to Duke University) during this millennium. Wingate’s 61 lifetime Academic All-America® picks are tops among all SAC schools. For more information, go to www.wingatebulldogs.com.