Javelins soared through the air. Runners sprinted around a track. Jumpers launched into a sand pit. Starting pistols echoed repeatedly. They are sights and sounds that haven’t been around the University of Vermont for quite some time. Until Tuesday, when UVM played host to its first track and field meet since 1997. UVM’s new Frank H. Livak Track and Field Facility on campus was dedicated prior to the Catamounts taking on Middlebury College in a duel meet. “This is a great day,” UVM track and field head coach Matt Belfield said, “being able to see this new facility come to fruition.” The $2.5 million project — a nine-lane synthetic surface with a grass infield; an adjacent throwing area; two multi-directional long jump and pole vault pits; and bleacher seating for 350 spectators — was funded through private donations from Catamount track and field supporters. The school broke ground on the project in 2010 and opened the facility in October. more
