byLarry Eder
Last spring, we visited the Spire Institute–it is amazing. I have no idea why every conference in midwest is not there. Perfect place for a major grand prix meet! Outdoor facility is superb, and the indoor one would make any track geek drool! Check out a meet at SPIRE when you can!
SPIRE INSTITUTE NAMED HOST OF 2013 BIG TEN INDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Combined Men’s and Women’s Championships to be Held at State-of-the-Art Complex
Geneva, Ohio – February 15, 2012 – In 2013, The Big Ten will hold its Track & Field Championships at SPIRE Institute (www.spireinstitute.org),
one of the world’s largest indoor, Olympic-grade, multi-sport
training, event and academic complexes. SPIRE will host the Big Ten
Championships in partnership with the Greater Cleveland Sports
Commission. By utilizing SPIRE’s Indoor Track & Field Facility, one
of the largest and most technologically advanced in the country, the
Big Ten will host their men’s and women’s championships together.
SPIRE’s 240,000 sq. ft. indoor Track & Field Complex, according
to Olympic Gold Medalist and SPIRE Athlete Leadership Board Member
Michael Johnson, is one of the best in the world. An eight-lane,
300-meter Beynon synthetic track surface with two, 150-meter
straightaways sets the stage for easy set-up and execution of any track
event. For field events, the facility features two high jump pits, two
long jump pits, two pole vault pits, and multiple throws areas, all
which do not interfere with the track action. Utilizing an
Olympic-standard custom Lynx timing and scoring system, event results
are posted quickly and accurately. The facility seats up to up to 5,000
spectators and features dynamic views and ample
concessions. Overlooking the track, a 25,000 square foot glass-encased
banquet, hospitality and meeting space with gourmet dining options
provides an ideal location to enjoy the event and allows participants
to never have to leave the complex.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the 2013 Track & Field
Championships at SPIRE,” said Wendy Fallen, Big Ten Associate
Commissioner for Championships. “The facilities and commitment put forth
by SPIRE and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission will undoubtedly
lead to a terrific event.
The agreement calls for the 2013 Big Ten Indoor Track & Field
Championships to be held at SPIRE, with additional years to be decided
individually. In addition to Track & Field, SPIRE’s Olympic-grade
facilities have the unique ability to simultaneously host tournaments
and championship events in a variety of sports including volleyball,
swimming and soccer.
“Northeast Ohio has built a reputation as being one of the premier
destinations in the country for hosting major sporting events,” said
David Gilbert, president & CEO, Greater Cleveland Sports
Commission. “The addition of SPIRE Institute takes it to a new level.
Being awarded the Big Ten Indoor Track and Field Championships is
evidence of what SPIRE can mean to our community.”
SPIRE’s Indoor Track & Field Complex will also play a major role
for athletes attending SPIRE Academy. SPIRE will begin its high school and post graduate
boarding academy in the fall of 2012. SPIRE’s nationally renowned
coaches will offer training programs in swimming, soccer, track and
field, volleyball and basketball. SPIRE Institute is the world’s
premier destination for high school and post graduates seeking to
optimize athletic, academic and leadership abilities. SPIRE’s
unique program delivers customized training, competition, and athletic
development with Michael Johnson Performance.
In addition, the integration of mental conditioning, nutritional
guidance, character building and a variety of other educational options
enhances the opportunity for athletes to reach their full potential on
and off the track.
The Academy will offer residential semesters, weekend training
sessions as well as a full schedule of summer camps; and will feature
the most diverse and inclusive collection of athletes assembled on one
campus.
“We are honored that the Big Ten has recognized our track &
field complex by selecting us to host their joint men’s and women’s
championships,” said Ron Clutter, founder & CEO, SPIRE Institute.
“SPIRE was designed to have the capacity and facilities to host all
sized competitions – from clubs and leagues to collegiate championships
and multi-day events. We are excited to work with the Ben Ten to make
the 2013 event a success and look forward to welcoming the teams,
coaches and fans to SPIRE.”
About SPIRE Institute
SPIRE integrates sports
and education, training and learning with a focus on the development of
the whole self. It features 750,000 sq. ft. of Olympic grade
facilities under roof, acres of outdoor fields and a multi-sport stadium
complex. SPIRE can simultaneously host clubs, leagues, tournaments and
championship events no matter the weather or the season. Spire
Institute and its nationally renowned coaches will offer residential
training programs in soccer, track & field, volleyball, swimming
and basketball. Junior athletes will train alongside collegians,
professionals, wounded veterans, Olympians, Paralympians and masters
level athletes. SPIRE will offer
residential semester athletic programs, weekend and weekly sports
training sessions, mental conditioning, sports medicine, nutrition and
wellness programs, and a variety of customized academic options. SPIRE
Institute is a part of the Geneva area Recreational, Educational and
Athletic Trust, a non-profit organization that re-invests every dollar
back into the development of its athletes, its programs and its
facilities.
