AIKEN, S.C. - On September 16, USC Aiken opened Pacer Path, a
four-mile-long, 15-feet-wide grass and earth multipurpose fitness
trail, located on property adjacent to the USCA Convocation Center
(375 Robert Bell Parkway).
The opening and dedication ceremony was held at 5 p.m. and was
immediately followed by a South Aiken High School meet, the first
official meet to take place on the path. Participating teams
included: South Aiken High School, Midland Valley High School,
Pelion High School, Gilbert High School, and Evans High School.
Athletics Director, Randy Warrick, described Pacer Path as
"another positive step forward for our athletics programs."
Pacer Path will be used by USC Aiken's athletic teams, faculty,
staff, and students, university and high school cross country
meets, Family Y members, and fitness participants from the
community. Pacer Path was built to NCAA standards and is the only
course at a Peach Belt Conference School.
USC Aiken's Women's Cross Country Team is in its 20th
year of existence and is coached by Larry Milner, who recently
entered his fourth season as head coach. In 2007, the Lady Pacers
had their highest finish ever in the Peach Belt Conference
Tournament and their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
In 2008, the Lady Pacers made it to the NCAA Tournament again and
two members were named to the 2008 Peach Belt Conference Women's
Cross Country All-Academic Team. The 2008 team was also selected by
the National Cross Country Coaches Association as a NCAA Division
II All-Academic Team.
"When we committed to creating Pacer Path, I knew it was a
unique opportunity for USC Aiken and the Aiken community," said
Milner. "We wanted Pacer Path to be a great general fitness trail
and a first-class cross country course. With the generous support,
both financially and with donated services from many in our great
community, we now have a wonderful facility."
Bridgestone-Firestone of Aiken will sponsor the "Bridgestone
Regional Invitational Event for Cross Country" for high school and
collegiate regional competition. The first invitational will be
held in 2010.
Additionally, USC Aiken is scheduled to host the 2010 Peach Belt
Conference Cross Country Championship on Pacer Path.
