Legacy of Prep Track and Field Honored at Facility Grand Opening

Creighton Prep officially opened its new athletic track and field facility on a bright, sunny Sunday, April 6 with a crowd of Prep community members in attendance. Highlights of the event included:

• Prep students Zach Schaffart, Ignatius Vogel and Nathan Wilch singing the National Anthem.
• A blessing of the facility by Creighton Prep Athletic Hall of Fame Cross Country Coach Fr. Bob Tillman, SJ.
• Remarks by Athletic Director Dr. Dan Schnizel, Creighton Prep President Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ and Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development K.C. Belitz.
• A ceremonial first run/baton pass by Creighton Prep Athletic Hall of Fame Track Coach Lynn Groff, Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach Dan Tietjen and Prep Track and Field team members Jackson Wurgler and Silas Bush. Silas ran the final leg through a ribbon held by teammates Kris Baker and Vincent Sall.

To help honor the legacy of Prep Track and Field, the school also handed out glass containers filled with small cinder rocks from the old track. A photo of former Prep Track and Field team members was also taken (and is attached to this post).

In a special video (see below), past and present members of the Prep Track and Field family shared what the sport — and the program — has meant to them. Their stories are a powerful reminder that while facilities change, the heart of Prep Track and Field has always been its people.

This new track marks an exciting new chapter — but it’s also a tribute to all those who came before.

The next generation of Creighton Prep athletics starts now.