University of Houston Unveils Facility Overhaul at Carl Lewis International Complex

April 18, 2016, TUSCON, AZ – This spring, the University of Houston unveiled a newly reconstructed facility with the opening of the Tom Tellez Track at the Carl Lewis International Complex. At the center, a state-of-the-art Beynon Sports track oval with enhanced features in all areas of competition.

The stadium’s previous surface was due for repair which led to the overhaul. The University opted for Beynon’s BSS 2000 system, with a fully encapsulated texture, in new construction areas and the BSS 2000 Resurfacing system over existing surfaced areas. Considered top-of-the-line in performance, both systems are IAAF certified, offer athletes maximum energy return and were engineered to perform as well on race day as on training day.

Named after two of the greatest individuals associated with the UH track and field program, the $4 million facility now features a nine-lane European oval-shaped track with a wider turn radius designed to allow faster turns for runners.

In addition to relocating bleachers and other major facility upgrades, Beynon also reconfigured the previous track oval by adding an additional sprint chute on the back straight-away as well as new shot put, discus, hammer and javelin runway areas. A new pole vault facility features 10 locations, on-site, to practice or compete in the pole vault event.

The track honors former UH track and field coach Tom Tellez who spent 22 seasons at Houston and coached 17 athletes who won 30 NCAA individual championships. Tellez also led his men's and women's teams to 13 Southwest Conference and Conference USA championships between 1977 and 1998. His most decorated pupil was Carl Lewis. UH tributes Lewis by naming the complex in honor of his illustrious career that included nine Olympic Gold Medals and five NCAA individual championships.