Louis S. Madrid Sports Complex dedicated |
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Commemorating UW all-conference track and field champion (1953-1954), Louis S. Madrid and the university’s eight student-athletes (all members of the UW cross country team) who were killed in 2001, the Louis S. Madrid Sports Complex and Memorial 8 Track were officially dedicated on Friday September 22nd.
The Louis S. Madrid Sports Complex was made possible as a result of Mr. Madrid’s generous estate gift ($500,000 doubled to $1 million through the state matching fund) and dollars raised by the families of the eight runners.
“We cannot thank the Madrid family enough for their generous contribution and support of Wyoming athletics,” said Deputy Director of UW Athletics Barbara Burke.
The recently completed sports complex consists of a new state-of-the-art all weather track, several equipment storage buildings, a new matrix board and scoreboard, jumping pits and throwing rings, and a picnic area.
“This facility is going to inspire young people, present and future, to utilize their talents as Louie did” stated long time Madrid family friend, Cassandra Herbert. “He’s given back to Wyoming, his beloved university, by contributing to the creation of this outstanding sports complex and state-of-the-art track,” she added.
Madrid, a Wyoming native, was born and raised in Cheyenne. He graduated with a B.S. degree in business administration in 1955 from the University of Wyoming and broke all UW records in the one-mile run and was All-Conference Champion in 1953 and 1954.
“Without Louie’s gift, we would not be here today”, said UW Track and Field Head Coach Don Yentes, as he tried to hold back the tears of appreciation. “Louie’s gift to our program means everything,” he added.
Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006
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