May 21, 2004

CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University men's and women's track & field programs will merge under the leadership of one head coach, Saluki athletics director Paul Kowalczyk announced Friday. That coach will be Connie Price Smith, who is presently the school's women's track & field head coach.

"We are constantly examining our athletic programs and looking for ways to make them more efficient and competitive," Kowalczyk said. "We were the only school in the Missouri Valley Conference with separate programs."

Price-Smith, who is in her third year at the helm of the women's squad, is one of the most accomplished athletes in school history. She competed in both track and basketball at SIU, and after graduating in 1985, was a four-time member of the United States Olympic Team (1988, 1992, 1996, 2000). In 2001, the university honored her with its prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award.

"Connie has done a tremendous job with her program and is highly respected in track circles," Kowalczyk said. "She is both an excellent teacher and leader, and we are very excited about the future of both our men's and women's track & field programs at SIU."

Kowalczyk said Price-Smith will supervise a staff of four assistant coaches, who will be selected for their expertise in specific events.