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“After years of documented needs for new, improved facilities and a design and approval process that engaged so many, Irvington finally has the new facilities that our student-athletes and community members will enjoy for years to come,” Superintendent of Schools Kristopher Harrison said.
Community members are invited to attend the ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m. Invited guests will include current and past high school coaches as well as other community members who have contributed to the development of the district’s vision.
The track and field were named after two Irvington sports legends, Harold Meszaros and Peter K. Oley, who were both instrumental in the success of the Irvington athletic program.
Meszaros, who grew up in Irvington and graduated from Irvington High School, starred in both football and track. After graduating from Ithaca College, he returned to the district in the late 1950s as a physical education, health and science teacher, as well as a football coach. He became Irvington’s first director of athletics in 1961, a position he held until his sudden death in 1977.
He also served as an Irvington village trustee. He and his wife, Carol, raised five children in Irvington, all of whom graduated from Irvington High School.
Oley served as a coach for the track and field and cross-country teams for 50 years, after being hired by the district in 1956. He was inducted into both the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and Westchester County Sports halls of fame.
His career record for track and field was 431-47, which included a string of 133 consecutive dual meet victories, 45 league championships, of which 12 were consecutive, 27 sectional titles and one county championship. His overall record for cross-country was 278-75, with seven sectional titles and 14 league championships.
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