Coleman, the executive director of the longtime event, said numerous factors played into the decision to uproot the event from its Northside home and relocate it across town.
The facilities at UNF are one of the best in the country and the experience for athletes is far beyond what they could have at a high school venue. Andforced the brain trust of the meet to reevaluate everything to keep the event humming along.
Coleman said that before Day’s death, Day had conversations on how to push the event to a bigger stage. One of those visions was to have UNF, which has hosted the state high school track and field meet multiple times as well as NCAA regional championships, serve as host. “Coach Day and [his widow] Mrs. Yvonne have attended several championships here and discussed the vision of possibly one day hosting the Bob Hayes here at Hodges Stadium,” said UNF deputy athletic director Ervin Lewis. “Well, the time has finally come. We are humbled and we’re grateful for the opportunity.