FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Fayetteville State University (FSU) announced today that it will add men's indoor and outdoor track & field as sponsored varsity programs beginning with the 2026–27 academic year. The launch advances the Broncos' strategic vision to compete for CIAA and NCAA Division II success across the endurance and speed-power spectrum, building on the recent momentum in men's cross country under Head Coach Dr. Inez Turner.
 
Associate Head Coach Frank Hyland, a key architect in the Broncos' distance development and culture, will lead the men's track & field programs as they debut on the conference and regional stages. The expansion creates a seamless pathway from fall cross country into winter indoor and spring outdoor track, enabling FSU student‑athletes to train and compete year‑round while elevating the university's profile in recruiting, competitive success, and student‑athlete experience.
 
In recent seasons, FSU men's cross country has surged, contending for CIAA titles and qualifying individuals for the NCAA Division II National Championships, a testament to the depth, development, and competitive fire cultivated by Dr. Turner and her staff. Adding men's indoor and outdoor track & field leverages that momentum, giving the roster more scoring opportunities across sprints, hurdles, middle distance, distance, jumps, throws, and relays, while enhancing continuity in training and performance.
 
"FSU Track & Field will extend what our student‑athletes and coaches have already built in cross country: a championship standard grounded in discipline, belief, and opportunity," said Director of Athletics Anthony Bennett. "By investing in coaching, competitive schedules, and student‑athlete resources, we're positioning the Broncos to compete regionally and nationally—and to graduate leaders who succeed on the track, in the classroom, and in life."
 
"This is a strategic expansion that fits who we are and who we aspire to be. With Dr. Turner's program oversight and Coach Hyland's leadership of the men's track programs, we're creating a year‑round competitive engine that supports recruitment, development, and consistent contention for CIAA titles—with an eye squarely on NCAA Division II scoring opportunities. We're grateful for the support of university leadership and excited for what this means for our student‑athletes and our community."
 
The men's track tradition at Fayetteville State stretches back generations:

• Early Era: Records indicate there was men's track in the program's earlier years, alongside women's participation.
• Revival in 1940: Track was returned in 1940 as FSU joined the Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (EIAC).
• WWII Interruption: The program paused in 1943 as World War II depleted the male athletic population.
• New Life in 1946: Under Gus Gaines, track returned within the EIAC structure and continued to produce outstanding performers.
• National Breakthrough: James Wooten, a Goldsboro, N.C. native, became the first FSU national champion, winning the NAIA 100m and 200m titles in 1976 (10.54 / 20.7) and following with the NCAA Division II 200m championship (21.4).

The 2026–27 launch honors this legacy while modernizing the pathway for current and future Broncos to compete across the full range of track & field events.
 
"We're building a complete team — from sprints and hurdles to mid‑distance, distance, jumps, throws, and relays — that reflects the grit and ambition of Fayetteville State," added Frank Hyland, Associate Head Coach / Head Coach, Men's Track & Field. "Our vision is simple: recruit the right people, develop them with precision and care, and compete for championships. With cross country feeding into indoor and outdoor, our men will have a clear runway to improve, score points, and represent the Broncos with pride. Day one in 2026–27, we'll be ready to line up."
 
The announcement aligns with the department's mission to compete at the highest levels while educating and empowering student‑athletes. FSU has captured multiple CIAA championships across cross country and track & field, produced conference award winners, and advanced NCAA qualifiers. Men's indoor and outdoor track provide a natural extension of that excellence, unlocking additional podiums, relay opportunities, and national qualifying pathways.

About Fayetteville State University Athletics
 
Fayetteville State University, a proud member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and NCAA Division II, fields championship‑caliber programs that reflect the university's values of excellence, opportunity, and community impact. The Broncos' student‑athletes compete with integrity and purpose while pursuing meaningful academic and professional goals.