Full Oval

Mike grew up in Syracuse, an all-around athlete who wanted to play football and run track in college. Division III athletics gave him that chance. He lined up as a strong safety for Bomber football, but it was on the track that he truly found his stride. Specializing in the 400 and 800 meters, Mike was part of the relay squad that still holds the college's two-mile relay record (a record he holds in part, he jokingly acknowledges, because that race is no longer run in NCAA competition). He also contributed to Bomber sports history: In 1981, he helped Ithaca College secure its first men's outdoor ICAC conference championship under the late head coach Mike Donnelly. At the time, IC didn't yet have an indoor track, so the team would lace up and run over to Cornell to practice during the winter season. "I was really happy when we got the indoor facility [the Athletics and Events Center in 2011] because I knew that would improve the type of athlete that would consider Ithaca as a track and field choice," Mike said. "And a school choice. So now this outdoor track will do the same thing."

As the mother of four college athletes, Tracy-who grew up in Westchester County-understands how athletics enriches the lives of students and alumni alike. "If it wasn't for this college, we would not have met, not have built this family," she said. "Athletics and sport benefit everyone." For her, the project carries a mix of sentiment and pragmatism. "This is our first philanthropic adventure, and it's really important to us," Tracy said. "We're looking forward to bringing our family to Homecoming and starting this journey of giving back. I just can't think of a better place to start than with Ithaca College, and we feel really good about that."

The Egans want their step forward to motivate others to reflect on their own connections to Ithaca. "We're hopeful that this inspires others to jump in and find those places at Ithaca College where they have a special memory or that helped them find success in life and-in whatever way that works for them-to give back," Tracy said. "It feels really good."

That sentiment resonated with Vice President for Advancement Laine Norton. " Mike and Tracy's gift is a powerful reminder that philanthropy doesn't have to follow a template," Norton said. "It's about giving in ways that reflect your passions and experiences. For them, that meant track and athletics. For someone else, it might be music, sustainability, or scholarships. Every gift tells a story and empowers others to grab the baton."

"We're hopeful that this inspires others to jump in and find those places at Ithaca College where they have a special memory or that helped them find success in life and-in whatever way that works for them-to give back. It feels really good."

Giovanni Santacroce

The track itself will be more than a competition venue. Mike remembers the old track at Butterfield Stadium being open to anyone. "Anybody could go over there and run on it," he said. "And this is a place for the campus. This is the place for therapy. People run for many reasons."

The new track, built on the west side of campus on land formerly used for recreation, will also accommodate field events and provide a natural-grass infield. Throwing events will take place on a repurposed field behind Emerson Hall. With the scoreboard, jumping pits, and a top-tier surface, the venue positions Ithaca College to host meets for the first time in nearly a decade.

"This facility showcases the fantastic support our alumni have for our student-athletes, and their commitment to helping drive athletic excellence at Ithaca College," said Aaron Bouyea, director of intercollegiate athletics and campus recreation. "We're thrilled to have this new track and field facility to empower our hardworking student-athletes and coaches, drive athletics success, and share with the Ithaca community."

The Egans also understand the role facilities play in recruitment. "When you're looking at a place for your college-bound student-athletes to land, you first consider academics. Is it a good academic fit for them? Does it have the majors they're interested in?" Tracy said. "But as athletes, they're also looking at facilities. When you take them on college visits, and everything is equal at two different schools, facilities matter."

"We now have some of the absolute best facilities in the game ... I'm beyond excited to have the opportunity to train and make memories on our new track for my last two years of track and field."

Student-athletes and coaches as the track and field facility nears completion. Allison Usavage '11

For the Egans, the project is about gratitude as much as legacy. They raised four children together and, four decades after meeting as sophomores, are investing back in the place that gave them so much.

"This is our first big step in giving back," Tracy said. "We're excited to share it with our family at Homecoming, and we hope it inspires others to find their own way to support Ithaca College."

The venue will host its first official meet next spring, but for the Egans, the real race is one of impact: ensuring that future generations of Bombers-whether competing for championships or jogging for wellness-have a track of their own to run on.

Learn more about the student-athlete experience at IC.

Direct your gift to the program, team, or cause that matters most to you.Learn more or contact [email protected].