LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — For the first time in more than three decades, men’s college track is back in Nevada.
Nevada State University launched its inaugural men’s track team this spring, giving local athletes the chance to compete at the collegiate level without leaving the state. The team is already training for its next meet this weekend.
“It’s actually, it’s almost shocking to tell you and almost overwhelming that after all these years,” said Roy Session, head coach of the Nevada State Scorpions men’s track and field team.
Building from the ground up
Session has trained high school athletes in Nevada for more than 30 years. He said one of the hardest parts was watching talent leave the state.
“It was a struggle. It really, really was,” Session said. “I’ve had some of the best guys either go somewhere… couldn’t afford to stay and come back home… just kind of give up running and just started life.”
The last men’s track and field program in Nevada was at the University of Nevada, but it was cut in the 1990s after budget cuts and Title IX requirements forced the university to scale back men’s sports.
Amir Morris, a freshman on the team, was born and raised in Las Vegas. He graduated from Democracy Prep and planned to attend college on the East Coast. But when he learned he could compete close to home, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
“I get to start all the standards, my team and I build the program from the ground up,” Morris said.
High expectations for new program
Session said the team is already off to a strong start, but the expectations are high.
“I’m going to win. At every level I’ve been at, I’ve won,” Session said.
He plans to build a winning program by tapping into local talent that, for years, had few options to compete in-state.
“I’m not even looking out of the state. I’m looking up in Reno, and I’m looking in Vegas… everywhere I recruit is gonna be those two places right now,” Session said.
The team’s next meet is Saturday. Nevada State University’s athletics program launched this year and currently features two teams: men’s track and field and women’s flag football.
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