Charles M. Ruter Track and Field Complex
The Charles M. Ruter Track and Field Complex at Western Kentucky University was completed in May 2008 at a cost of $2.5 million.
The complex features a pair of dual-pit parallel jump runways for the long and triple jump events along the home stretch, allowing men and women to compete at the same time while also taking advantage of wind direction. Similarly, the facility has a pair of dual-pit parallel pole vault runways in one D-zone. In the opposite D-zone, space exists for two high jump areas, also allowing for time efficiency in a meet situation. All throwing events at the Charles M. Ruter Track and Field Complex can be contested on the infield. The facility features a 30-foot UCS hammer cage that can also double for the discus, providing optimal safety for all contestants while also highlighting the throwing events by allowing them to be contested inside the track. Three discus circles and two javelin runways allow for flexibility dependent on the wind direction. Also, a pair of shot put circles on the infield and one pit outside of the track oval provide additional flexibility for competition. For the sprint and hurdle events, the backstretch contains a pair of chutes to allow maximum flexibility for varying wind conditions.
Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium has had a direct impact on the WKU Track and Field programs, as the teams' new locker rooms, training room and weight room are all housed there, including coaches offices and athlete lounges.
The track complex features many aspects that honor the history of the Hilltopper Track and Field Program. In April of 2023, Jesse Stuart was etched into Hilltopper History. Stuart competed for the Hilltoppers from 1973-75, and his decorated career landed him a spot in the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame where he was inducted in 1993. In addition to his 1974 National Championship, Stuart finished as an NCAA runner-up three times throughout his career. He also earned a place on the Ohio Valley Conference Half-Century Team after winning three-consecutive Shot Put Conference Championships. His jersey stands at the entrance to the track.
In March of 2025, the athletics department honored another decorated Hilltopper in Gayle Harris Watkins. Harris Watkins lettered four years (1976-80) for the Hilltoppers, earning a reputation as one of the nation's top hurdlers. She set a WKU record in the hurdles that still stands - 7.82 in the indoor 55 meters in 1980. Her 13.6 100-meter dash in the outdoors was a school record at the time, too. She was a two-time AIAW All-American as a senior in 1979, finishing runner up in the long jump (19-8) and the 60-meter hurdles.
Upon entering the track a small garden that was dedicated by members of the 2024-25 Hilltopper Track and Field Team pays homage to their beloved late coach Brent Chumbley who passed away unexpectedly in January of 2025. In March of that year, WKU Athletics announced that the home meet formerly known as the Hilltopper Relays would further be known as the Brent Chumbley Memorial Hilltopper Relays.
