CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Lee University Athletics has added Wavelight technology to the Ray Conn Sports Complex, bringing an innovative training and competition tool to the home of the Lee University Track & Field programs. The new Wavelight system uses programmable LED lights installed along the inside of the track to provide athletes with a visual pacing guide during training and competition. The technology allows coaches and athletes to set specific target paces, with the lights moving around the track at the programmed speed to provide immediate feedback throughout a workout or race.
The addition further enhances the Ray Conn Sports Complex as a premier track and field facility and provides Lee student-athletes with access to technology used at some of the highest levels of the sport. The addition places Lee among a limited number of NCAA Division II programs offering Wavelight pacing technology at its home facility.
"From a competition standpoint, we're excited about what Wavelight can bring to our home meets," said Lee University Head Track & Field Coach Caleb Morgan. "We've worked hard to make Lee a place where some of the best athletes in the country want to come compete, and this technology gives us another tool to create fast races, chase qualifying marks and elevate the overall experience for both athletes and spectators. We believe this is another step toward making the Ray Conn Sports Complex one of the premier track and field facilities in NCAA Division II."
The project was made possible in part through a large contribution from the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The investment reflects the continued partnership between Lee University and the Bradley County community and the opportunity for collegiate athletics to drive visitation and economic impact in the area.
Each spring, Lee University hosts three collegiate track and field meets at the Ray Conn Sports Complex, welcoming student-athletes, coaches and spectators from across the region and beyond to Cleveland. The addition of Wavelight technology provides another competitive draw for collegiate athletes seeking high-quality racing opportunities and fast qualifying times, with the goal of increasing participation in Lee's existing home meets.
"We are excited to be involved with Lee University Athletics as they draw visitors to our community to compete and view their sporting events," said Vice President of Tourism Development - Cleveland/Bradley Chamber, Melissa Woody. "The track especially hosts thousands of visitors each year. We hope that the addition of the state-of-the-art timing system enhances Lee U's ability to host additional events and guests."
In addition to supporting the day-to-day training of Lee's nationally competitive Track & Field program, the Wavelight system strengthens the experience Lee can provide visiting athletes during competition. Increased participation in Lee's three annual spring meets brings additional athletes, coaches, families and spectators to Cleveland, supporting local hotels, restaurants and businesses throughout the track and field season.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber for their partnership and investment in Lee Athletics," said Lee University Director of Athletics John Maupin. "Wavelight technology gives our student-athletes and coaches another elite-level resource as they continue to pursue championships, but it also strengthens our ability to host high-quality meets that bring teams, families and spectators to Cleveland. This is a great example of how an investment in Lee Athletics can enhance the student-athlete experience while also creating a broader benefit for our local community through tourism and economic activity."
Lee Track & Field has established itself among the nation's premier NCAA Division II programs. The Lee women captured their ninth consecutive GSC Outdoor Championship this past spring and have also won seven consecutive GSC Indoor Championships. On the men's side, the Flames have claimed five GSC Outdoor and five GSC Indoor Championships. The program has also produced nine individual NCAA Division II National Champions and one national championship relay team. The addition of Wavelight technology represents the latest investment in a championship-caliber program, providing Lee student-athletes with the resources to continue training and competing at an elite level nationally.
