JANUARY 8, 2011 

PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR INDIANA TRACK/CROSS COUNTRY HALL OF FAME

TERRE HAUTE -The state's track and cross country hall of fame has finally found a resting place. Fittingly, it's in "Cross Country Town, USA".

Indiana track and cross country luminaries, in conjunction with the Terre Haute Convention and Visitor's Bureau, unveiled plans for a hall of fame here today. Interactive displays along with a collection of historical items and plaques of current members will be housed in the Bureau's building at 5353 East Margaret Drive. This is just west of Hwy. 46 only 200 meters north of Interstate 70 at exit 11. It is the most common exit for traffic to the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course, the annual host of the NCAA and IHSAA Championships.

There will also be an "Olympians Room", dedicated to the 28 (and counting) Indiana high school products who have gone on to participate in the Olympic Games.

"For 35 years we've been looking for this place. This is the perfect place for our sports' hall of fame," said track legend Marshall Goss. "Now we can unveil the history of our sport and its athletes, coaches, officials and contributors."

Hall of Fame induction, currently at 420 members, is governed by the Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches (IATCCC). Its President, Ken Browner, also spoke Saturday.

"This is truly a blessing," Browner said. "We are thankful for the contributions of the Terre Haute Convention and Visitor's Bureau."

David Patterson, Executive Director of the THCVB, said his community is honored to be the site of the hall of fame.

"Not only will we be able to showcase the history of the sport but provide a tether to the future stars," Patterson said.

The first piece of prized memorabilia was donated to the Hall of Fame by Marion High School coach Terry Lakes. A championship cup, awarded to the winning school of the 1904-1908 state meet was presented to Patterson.

The next step for the Hall of Fame is to attract sponsors and begin a fund-raising campaign.