After 50 years of competition, Grace College is adding a track and field complex to its facilities.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Bernard and Linnie Key Track and Field Complex took place Wednesday evening. The track is named to honor Bernard and Linnie Key, longtime residents of South Bend whose lineage includes several Grace graduates. Since their deaths in 1962 and 1992, the Key family has looked for an opportunity to honor Bernard and Linnie’s legacy.
The Keys were committed to their seven children and to honoring God with their time and finances, according to Chad Briscoe, athletic director.
“Although not wealthy, my parents shared generously, trusting God to provide for their needs,” said Margaret Key, daughter of Bernard and Linnie.
In order to begin updating the track and field complex, a catalytic gift was needed. When the need came to the attention of the Key family, they responded.
“In honor of my parents’ legacy of faithful trust and dependence on God, our family chose to provide the foundational gift,” Margaret Key said. The complex will serve as a reminder of the Key’s valued principles: to know the Word of God and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Dr. Bill Katip, president of Grace College, remarked, “We are very excited about the opportunity to enhance our athletics department. The Keys’ family gift was an answer to prayer. Their legacy will live on here at Grace for many years to come.”
The Bernard and Linnie Key Track and Field Complex will include a 400-meter nine lane competition track, discus and hammer throw cages, high jump zone and pole vaulting facilities, long jump pits, javelin throw and shot put event areas, grandstand seating for 400 and a press box. It is scheduled to be completed in the fall.
Grace Track and Field Head Coach Jeff Raymond said, “The new facility will be a huge boost to our track and field program. It will benefit our current student-athletes and help us attract new athletes in the future. The facility will enhance our training opportunities, both in-season and out-of-season, and will allow us to host home meets for the first time in Grace’s history. We are very thankful for those who have made this possible, and we look forward to seeing how the Lord will use the facility to impact lives in the coming years.”
