Kevin LaSure, Academy of Art University’s track & field head coach, led a stellar group of student athletes to success in NCAA Division II Track and Field in 2017.

Now, he’s celebrating his own success in the New Year.

Coach LaSure is now adding President of the NCAA Division II Track & Field Executive Committee to his resume.

LaSure was nominated and appointed to the position by his fellow board members at the 2017 USTFCCCA Convention in Phoenix during the week of December 12.

Previously, he held the position of vice president.

“I was shocked and honored,” LaSure said to the Academy’s marketing department in a phone interview.

Stepping up to the Plate

As the highest-ranking member of the committee, LaSure will take on new responsibilities. Some of those include representing the NCAA Division II coaching body, guiding the process for any legislation that comes from the group, and most importantly, growing the sport.

“I want to do my part to make sure track and field is headed in the right direction,” LaSure added. “This sport is my passion.”

The group is comprised of representatives across the country and meets once a month via conference call and in-person once a year at a national convention.

Gaining National Attention

With LaSure now in this prestigious role, the Academy is now in the spotlight as well.

“We may be a smaller school, but we are actually viewed as having one of the top programs in the country. We’re big contenders,” LaSure said.

It’s not just because of the Urban Knights’ stellar athletic record.

“I spend a lot of time in the off-season recruiting, and I get a lot of the same questions from parents. Once they hear that their kids can pursue both art and athletics in college, it becomes a game-changer,” LaSure noted. “Outside of here, your typical student athlete has to choose between the two.”

All in all, it’s proving to be a win for both the Academy and the Urban Knights.

“I would hope every little thing we do academically, professionally, and on the track will help us grow as a whole,” LaSure concluded.

Be artist. Be athlete. Learn more about athletic opportunities available at the Academy.