2006 Florida Relays Canceled

[rainbowgirl28]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA SPORTS INFORMATION
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
CONTACT: CHRIS RUSHING 352-375-4683 EXT. 6121 OR MIKE VIETTI EXT. 6120

2006 EDITION OF PEPSI FLORIDA RELAYS CANCELED

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Due to ongoing and anticipated construction
surrounding James G. Pressly Stadium at Percy Beard Track, the 2006
Pepsi Florida Relays have been canceled.

The University of Florida is currently in the midst of a multi-phased
expansion and renovation project to McKethan Stadium and the Lemerand
Center, which both adjoin Percy Beard Track. The project, which began
July 7, 2005, involves the expansion of McKethan Stadium, the
construction of new baseball facilities and the renovation of team
locker rooms in the Lemerand Center. The project is slated to be
completed by the end of August in 2006.

"We have to do what is best for this program," Florida women's track
and field coach Tom Jones said. "We will have a large amount of
construction going on at Lemerand and to put on an event of this
magnitude, it would be difficult with the lack of space available. We
know that this cancellation will leave a large void, especially with the
high school programs that make the trip here every year for this event."


The Pepsi Florida Relays began in 1939 and have been held every year
since with the exception of years during World War II (1942-46). At the
62nd edition of the event in 2005, more than 3,000 athletes from more
than 300 high schools and universities were set to compete before
inclement weather forced the final day to be canceled.

"This wasn't an easy decision," Florida men's track and field coach
Mike Holloway said. "The coaching staffs and the administration felt
that it was the right decision to make given the circumstances. We're
looking forward to making the Florida Relays bigger and better in
2007."

Typically one of the nation's largest opening meets of the outdoor
track and field season, the 2006 Pepsi Florida Relays were slated to be
held March 23-25.


Mike Vietti
Assistant Sports Information Director
University of Florida
Office: (352) 375-4683 ext. 6120
Cell: (352) 538-1509
Home: (352) 278-0522
Fax: (352) 375-4809
www.gatorzone.com

[SKOT]

wowzers

[Scott Go Pre]

that sucks. This past season, they cancelled because of rain. now they are cancelling because of construction nearby. What next? Cancel 2007 because it was cancelled the last two years.

I always enjoyed jumping there. Too bad I won't be jumping there until my senior year now.