NATCHITOCHES -- A recently received $11,000 grant from the Weyerhaeuser Foundation to the Northwestern State Athletic Department will provide improvements at the multi-use NSU Walter P. Ledet Track and Field Complex, said NSU Director of Athletics Greg Burke.
 
“The NSU Athletic Department is most appreciative of funding provided by the Weyerhaeuser Foundation to assist with renovations and enhancements to the Walter Ledet Complex.  Utilization of the Ledet Track Complex far exceeds that of the NSU track and field teams as the facility also serves a broad spectrum of organizations and causes within the Natchitoches community and in Northwest Louisiana,” said Burke.
 
“The Athletic Department, and, in particular, head  track coaches Leon Johnson and Mike Heimerman, appreciate the role that local Weyerhaeuser contact Steve Story played in guiding us through the grant application process.  His insight was definitely valuable,” said Burke.
 
In addition to serving as the practice and home competition site for the Demon and Lady Demon track and field programs, the Ledet Track Complex is utilized for high school meets, charitable events, and other functions such as the Red River Special Olympics Meet.  NSU also hosted the Southland Conference Track and Field Championship Meet this past May which attracted an estimated 700 student-athletes and coaches, plus fans, to Natchitoches.
 
Most notably, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association has held its two-day Cross Country Championship Meet on the NSU campus and at the Ledet Complex for the past two decades, an event that annually  attracts over 10,000 runners and fans.  The benefits of that event on student recruitment at NSU and in terms of economic impact on the Natchitoches community are immeasurable, according to coach Johnson. 
 
“Having an updated, safe, and functional facility are all factors that are considered for hosting events at the track facility.  Over and above the economic impact factor, these events add to the quality of life for local residents as it relates to entertainment options, recreational opportunities, and healthy lifestyle outlets.  Most of the work that will be done as a result of this funding is overdue and will make a huge difference for participants and spectators alike,” said Johnson.
 
Grant monies from Weyerhaeuser will supplement nearly $40,000 in upgrades and renovations to the track complex, including ADA updates, a new sound system, and additional storage capability. 
 
Through a combination of funding from the State of Louisiana and private sources, NSU has invested $1.2 million into the facility over the past seven years.  Improvements have included a state-of-the-art Mondo running service, black wrought iron style fencing around the entire facility, and a Daktronics results board.