Ithaca College is getting a brand-new outdoor track and field facility—thanks to the generosity of alumni Michael and Tracy Egan, both class of 1984.
The ribbon-cutting is set for October 25 during Homecoming Weekend, marking the return of a permanent outdoor track to campus after nearly a decade. For the Egans, who met as students on South Hill, the project is more than an upgrade. It’s their first major philanthropic gift—and a deeply personal one.
From athletes to donors
Mike Egan, a former Bomber football player and track athlete, says his time on the team shaped his life. He still holds a relay record set back in the 1980s and helped Ithaca win its first men’s outdoor conference championship.
“We realized, ‘this would be a really good thing to do,’” Mike said. “Now this outdoor track will do the same thing the indoor facility did—draw athletes, and students, to Ithaca.”
Tracy Egan, who raised four student-athletes, sees the track as a gift for the whole community. “If it wasn’t for this college, we would not have met, not have built this family,” she said. “Athletics and sport benefit everyone.”
“This is our first philanthropic adventure, and it’s really important to us,” Tracy added. “We’re looking forward to bringing our family to Homecoming and starting this journey of giving back.”
A space for everyone
The new track, located on the west side of campus, includes a natural-grass infield and spaces for all field events. A repurposed field behind Emerson Hall will host throwing events. With modern pits, a scoreboard, and a top-tier surface, the venue will allow Ithaca College to host outdoor meets for the first time in years.
“It’s a place for the campus,” Mike said. “This is the place for therapy. People run for many reasons.”
Vice President for Advancement Laine Norton called the Egans’ gift “a powerful reminder that philanthropy doesn’t have to follow a template.”
“This facility is more than a track—it is a milestone for Ithaca College,” added President La Jerne Terry Cornish. “Because of Mike and Tracy Egan’s vision and generosity, our student-athletes will once again have a home to train and compete.”
Impact on students
Student-athletes are already feeling the boost.
“We now have some of the absolute best facilities in the game,” said Maddie Wright ’27, a high jumper studying physical therapy and psychology. “I’m beyond excited to train and make memories on our new track for my last two years.”
Runner Ben Buffone ’27 called the facility “unbeatable,” while Cece LaBonte ’26 said the upgrade will help the program “continue our legacy of being a nationally competitive program.”
The project, managed by Clark Companies, is scheduled to wrap up this fall—just in time for the track’s first meet next spring.
For the Egans, it’s a full-circle moment. “We’re excited to share it with our family at Homecoming,” Tracy said. “And we hope it inspires others to find their own way to support Ithaca College.”
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].