Fisher to Host 2023 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship

This May, St. John Fisher University, along with the Monroe County Sports Commission, will host the 2023 Division III Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship. The event will be held at the Polisseni Track and Field Complex on the University’s campus from Thursday, May 25 through Saturday, May 27.

This will be the first time the program will be a host for the NCAA Championship; Fisher was scheduled to host in 2020, which was rescheduled due to the pandemic. 

“We are so pleased to have an opportunity to showcase our world-class facilities on such a large stage,” said Bob Ward, who has served as Fisher’s director of athletics since 1987.  “Our track and field programs are among the very best in Division III and I’m looking forward to seeing them potentially compete in their home venues."

The Polisseni complex—which was built in 2011 thanks to a gift from the Polisseni Foundation—has played host to Fisher’s Cardinal Classic and Cardinal Last Chance Meet. The NCAA received more than 3,000 bid submissions from NCAA member schools, conferences, sports commissions, and cities vying to host predetermined rounds for 86 of the NCAA’s 90 championships. The sites were selected by the respective NCAA sports committees and approved by the divisional competition oversight and championships committees.

Under the direction of head coach Mike Henchen, the Cardinals have built an impressive program in just 12 short years. Both men’s and women’s teams are regular contenders for the Empire 8 Championships and consistently see student-athletes qualify for the NCAA championship. Most recently, Kyle Rollins claimed his third consecutive outdoor high jump national title at the 2022 championships; Mark VanMarter and Peter Girardi also join Rollins as individual champions.

Employees Needed as Support Staff

To ensure the event is a success, employees from the University are invited to participate in the tournament as support staff. With approval from supervisors, interested employees can serve in four-hour shifts during the regular work day (without the need to use PTO). Assistance is needed throughout the tournament.

The Athletic Department is currently seeking assistance for merchandise sales; tickets; packet pickup; registration; hydration and hospitality; and greeters and event guides. Employees with track and field affiliation and experience can assist with events including hurdles; steeple chase; throws; long and triple jump; pole vault; and athlete support. Employees can sign up online to participate.