In 1894, the college established a Field Day, that featured contests in track and field events such as pole vaulting, relay races, high jumps, hurdles and hammer throwing. The first intercollegiate track events were held in the spring of 1909. The track team was often coached and managed by students until the 1930s. Under Norton Pritchard and later Heath "Pete" Whittle, the track team flourished. The college began competing in cross-country events in 1924 and a separate cross-country team was formed by 1927.