ELGIN, Ill. - Taking a step forward in the track program, Judson University has been awarded the 2011, 2012, and 2013 NCCAA National Championship Meet. Head coaches Rich Weinhandl (men) and Joel Cotton (women) put together the proposal and it was accepted by the NCCAA.

"This is a great day for Judson Athletics," quotes head men's track and field coach Rich Weinhandl. "What a way to bring back a sport for Judson in our second year and host the national championships. We are looking forward to the teams that will be coming and putting on an exciting event."

The 2011 NCCA National Track Meet will be held in Joliet, Ill., at the Memorial Stadium. The stadium was just refurbished and has a new eight lane mondo surface track that is similar to the surface track used at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The national championship meet will take place May 5, 6, 7.

With the three-day event, Judson University is partnering with the Joliet Chamber of Commerce to offer a great atmosphere. Included in the three-day event will be a Christian concert put on by The Least of These and will also feature a special speaker yet to be determined.

Judson University is in their second year of having a track and field program after a 38 year absence. Last year, in their first year, the women's track program produced three outdoor NCCAA All-Americans and one NCCAA National Champion in Sarah Dede (outdoor triple jump).

Watch for more information on the NCCAA National Championship website located at http://www.judsoneagles.com/