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Spokane Sports forms strategic partnership with WSU
Spokane, Washington (July 20, 2021) – When The Podium opens this fall, it will boast one of the only 200-meter hydraulic banked indoor tracks in the United States, and the only one of its kind in the Northwest. Taking full advantage of the opportunity to attract thousands of track & field athletes, coaches, and fans, Spokane Sports has created three of its own indoor track & field meets for the inaugural season – partnering with WSU on two of those indoor meets.
“Visiting athletes and spectators inject millions of dollars into the Spokane community when they are competing here.” says Eric Sawyer, Spokane Sports President and CEO. “With that in mind, we decided to create our own Indoor Track & Field Meets that will be held on an annual basis in Spokane–a move that our hospitality partners certainly appreciate.”
And on the partnership with WSU for two of the meets Eric explains that “Partnering with WSU was a natural step. We share the vision of creating our own events and establishing Spokane as a site for high quality Indoor Track & Field Meets. WSU bring a legacy of accomplishment with their track & field program, and the university’s support brings credibility and prestige to the meets”
2021/2022 Indoor Track & Field Meets at The Podium:
Spokane Invitational I December 11, 2021
Event winners have the chance to be the first to set a facility record at The Podium. The Spokane Invitational will allow athletes to set marks and see a preview for what the 2021/2022 Indoor season will hold.
Cougar Classic I January 14–15, 2022
Opportunity for athletes to achieve competitive marks at the inception of the season. This two-day event gives athletes the ability to compete multiple times throughout the span of competition.
WSU Open & Invite I February 4–5, 2022
Intense competition will emerge over the weekend as Friday will feature open athletes, and Saturday competition will feature a condensed meet with competitive standards and limited heat sizes.
Indoor Track & Field Specialists:
Spokane Sports has brought on two renowned track & field specialists who will join the meet administration team.
Linda Lanker – For more than four decades Lanker has coached on the high school, collegiate, national and world stage. Her accomplishments include coaching elite USA Track & Field athletes, being named USATF President’s Award winner, Member of USATF Men’s and Women’s Track & Field Committee, and serving as USATF INW Association Men’s and Women’s Track & Field Committee Chair. Lanker will focus on official’s recruitment, training, and coordination for The Podium. Lanker lives locally in the Inland Northwest, calling Coeur d’Alene, Idaho home.
Jason Drake – With 26 years of coaching at the NCAA level and currently serving as the Head Track & Field Coach at Fresno State University, JD brings years of technical expertise to meet administration efforts at The Podium. JD is passionate about running great track meets and has been involved with meets at Stanford, Washington, Washington State, Pac-12, MPSF, Bryan Clay, and was instrumental in the revitalization of the West Coast Relays in Fresno, CA. Spokane Sports is grateful for his insight and expertise in meet management–ensuring expectations are met for first-rate events at The Podium.
ABOUT SPOKANE SPORTS
Founded in 1989, Spokane Sports is a non-profit, economic development organization responsible for recruiting, retaining, and facilitating sports events for the Spokane region. As advocates for sports development, our efforts help our region realize the economic, social, and community development benefits of sports. Learn more by visiting us online.
ABOUT THE PODIUM
Spokane is proud to announce an all new, indoor multi-sport venue, highlighted by the only hydraulic-banked running track in the West. Complete in Fall 2021, this new facility will be located in the heart of downtown, giving athletes front door access to restaurants, hotels, entertainment and more.
