GAINESVILLE, FL - The Board of Trustees of the Gainesville Sports Commission (GSC) announced today that they have named their GSC Indoor Track and Field Meet, first held in February 2008, after Jimmy Carnes. The action was taken at the non-profit organization’s November board meeting.
Carnes, one of five USA Track and Field Class of 2008 inductees into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, was instrumental in the formation of the GSC in 1988 as the Gainesville Sports Organizing Committee. He served as the first president of The Athletic Conference (1980-1984) and coached at the University of Florida from 1965-1978—leading the indoor and outdoor teams to 15 SEC top-three track and field finishes. He also served as National Chairman of AAU Men’s Track and Field in 1977; was the 1976 assistant men’s Olympic coach and was named as the head coach to the cancelled Moscow Olympics of 1980.
Carnes, 68, was instrumental in the formation of many Florida and national sports commissions. He served as the director of the Florida Governor’s Council on Sport and Physical Fitness where he established the Florida Sunshine State Games and the Florida Senior Games. He also formed the Florida Track Club, served as the executive director of the US Track Coaches Association and is a member of the US Track and Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.
The 2009 Jimmy Carnes Indoor Track and Field Meet, presented by the GSC, will be held at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center at the University of Florida on February 7. It features competition for youth, open, and collegiate athletes. Additional information can be found at http://www.gsoc.com/events/