On a chilly afternoon at Kansas State, the Cliff Rovelto Indoor Track feels alive. Music fills the spacious venue, where high-energy athletes train and compete. Just a stone’s throw away, Director of Track and Field Travis Geopfert, clad in a black track suit, wears an enthusiastic grin despite the cold breeze outside.
“It’s freezing out there,” he says, referencing the harsh wind chill that blankets the area. “We need to keep this place warm.”
K-State’s track teams have never been more exciting. Recently, the men’s team climbed to No. 3 nationally, as per the latest USTFCCCA indoor poll. The women’s squad also holds a respectable No. 34 rank.
“Our focus is on the process, but winning is our goal,” Geopfert states confidently. “Winning conference championships is our first priority. The Big 12 is tough, but we’re ready to fight.”
Geopfert brings a wealth of experience to the program, having been named National Assistant Coach of the Year four times during his 22-year coaching career. His achievements include participating in two NCAA Championship teams while at Arkansas. “Winning the NCAA Championships is no easy feat,” he shares, acknowledging the intense competition.
This weekend’s DeLoss Dodds Invitational ramping up on Friday is set to showcase some of the finest talent in NCAA track. Teams from Oklahoma, Baylor, Air Force, Kansas, and Iowa State will join in, and athletic powerhouses like USC and Stanford will bring their best jumpers.
“It’s a big deal for us,” Geopfert says, highlighting that the event is a part of the World Athletics Indoor Tour. Fans will get a unique experience, too. They can bring their lawn chairs and sit right in the track’s infield, just a few feet away from the athletes as they jump, sprint, and compete.
“To my knowledge, this is unprecedented for indoor track in the U.S.,” Geopfert remarks, hinting at the unique experience spectators will have. Some top athletes, including Kansas natives like Alan Hanna and Devin Loudermilk, will face off against notable competitors, including Olympic medalists.
With the state-of-the-art facility featuring Mondo’s Super X 720 surface, the atmosphere is set for an electrifying competition. “We’ve hosted various meets, and every time, we prove this is a great place for track,” Geopfert notes.
K-State has made a name for itself in NCAA Track and Field, and Geopfert believes the program is just getting started. “We have to show that we create a fantastic atmosphere that’s also conducive to fast performances,” he continues.
As the teams gear up for the invitational, Geopfert plans to remind them about the importance of focusing on their journey rather than just the destination. “Adversity is part of the process,” he says. “We’re fostering a culture where our athletes compete for something bigger than themselves. We’re on the road to great achievements.”
This weekend will mark a thrilling chapter for K-State, where talented athletes, along with a supportive community, strive for excellence in the relentless pursuit of success.
