Time Running Out for Track and Field’s Future as NCAA Coach Makes Saddening Confession: ‘Our Competitions Are Dreadful’

2025 has been the year of college track and field phenoms making it to the big scene. Bayanda Walaza, Brandon Hicklin, Indya Mayberry, and many other NCAA stars are shining at the forefront. But, on the inside, there might be some craps visible to a few seniors in the business. However, this NCAA coach isn’t afraid of calling a spade a spade. And so he did. Once again!

May 15, Oregon Live reported that college track first was a major spectator sport, but now? Even regular-season meets are nearly empty at the iconic 12,500-seat Hayward Field. Thus, Vin Lananna, the Virginia track coach and former Oregon coach, sounded alarm. He said, “Track and field has moved away from being any kind of team sport whatsoever.” And also that, “Our competitions are dreadful. They’re long, drawn out, fragmented, and the modern audience can’t relate to whatever it is we’re doing.” And he isn’t alone in this.

Sam Seemes, the USTFCCCA CEO, then described one all-day meet he attended as “mind-numbing.” Despite a few standout performances, it was unscored and dragged on with endless heats. “I’m a huge track fan,” he said, “But I was bored to death.” And well, he might not be alone, as many fans must be facing the issue with track and field’s long events.

For example, the Stanford Invitational ran from 9 a.m. to nearly 11 p.m., with hours of long-distance events. Unless you’re a hardcore fan, that’s a tough sell. Meanwhile, college baseball and softball are rapidly rising in popularity. Because they have faster games and TV-friendly schedules. So yes, track has talent. But if the format doesn’t change, its future might slip away.

This story is developing…

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