Pittsburgh, Pa. – The RMU Department of Athletics announced at a press conference Wednesday at the RMU Island Sports Center on Neville Island its partnership with P3R, the engine behind Pittsburgh's greatest races. As part of the sponsorship, the track & field will be renamed the P3R Track & Field Complex.
"We're thrilled to announce our relationship with P3R and proud to announce that the track & field complex will now be the P3R Track & Field Complex," RMU Vice President and Director of Athletics
Chris King '94 said. "P3R is one of the most visible brands within the Pittsburgh region, and we are appreciative of starting a long-term partnership for youth, high school, college and community events. We're grateful to P3R CEO and RMU alumnus Troy Schooley for bringing the premier partnership together. P3R has made a substantial investment in RMU Athletics and the success of current and future RMU student-athletes."
Construction has already begun at the complex, which includes a complete resurfacing of the track. SportsPITTSBURGH is also working closely with P3R to bring events to the region from around the country once the facility has been upgraded.
"With our Kids of STEEL program, we focus on teaching kids at a young age the importance of movement," P3R CEO Troy Schooley '03 said. "We have seen kids from our program that participate in events go on to attend RMU for track & field, and we want to continue to build that relationship and give these young student-athletes the best opportunities for their futures, along with so many others in our region that strive to live an active lifestyle by getting out and moving with P3R."
The upgrade to the track will assist the Colonials in hosting competitions, and the location will also be one of the sites of the National Senior Games, which is coming to Pittsburgh in 2023. The RMU Island Sports Center opened in 1998, was purchased by RMU in 2004 and is the region's premier sports and recreation destination. The track & field complex was constructed at the site in 2005.
"As a program we couldn't be more excited for our partnership with P3R," RMU head cross country and track & field coach
Bryan Delsite said. "The P3R Track & Field Complex will not only help bolster recruiting immensely, but the facility will help attract some of the best events to come to the Pittsburgh area. It will provide RMU student-athletes with a first class venue for home competitions as well as an outstanding day-to-day training facility."
About RMU (rmu.edu)
Robert Morris University is a nationally ranked doctoral research university, enrolling approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. RMU offers fully online courses as well as a traditional residential college experience at its campus on 230 scenic acres 17 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. The Colonials compete in 16 NCAA Division I sports, including ice hockey, basketball, football, volleyball and lacrosse.
About RMU Athletics (rmucolonials.com)
From its fertile beginning as a men's basketball junior college powerhouse to one of the most diverse athletic program in the Pittsburgh tri-state area, RMU offers 15 intercollegiate athletic programs, including the only NCAA Division I men's lacrosse team in the region. Over the last 45 years, the Colonials have claimed 52 conference regular-season and 53 league tournament titles. On July 1, 2020, RMU joined the Horizon League for 10 of its 16 athletic programs, including cross country and track & field. Football joined the Big South Conference as an associate member in 2021, women's lacrosse accepted an invitation to join the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as an affiliate member and men's lacrosse will join the ASUN in 2022. The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) serves as the home for RMU rowing.
About P3R (p3r.org)
P3R is the engine behind Pittsburgh's greatest races. We strive to inspire any and all to move with us. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R runs a variety of other high-quality races, events and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation's highest-profile professional athletes, P3R offers activities for all ages and ability levels. Anyone and everyone is invited to #RUNwithP3R!
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