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UI's new track set to be named after legendary coach Wieneke

URBANA — Like Zuppke Field at Memorial Stadium and Lou Henson Court at State Farm Center, the new University of Illinois track will be named after a legendary coach: Gary Wieneke.

After many of his former athletes launched a naming campaign in their coach's honor, the distinction appears set for approval at next week's UI Board of Trustees meeting.

"The chancellor ... recommends approval of a request to name the running track portion of the track and field project the Gary R. Wieneke track," UI Deputy Comptroller Mike Bass said Monday at a trustees committee meeting.

The new track will be part of the Demirjian Park Stadium, a $6 million project set to open on St.