LEWISTON, Maine, Feb. 17, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Mondo Super X Performance track recently installed in the Merrill Indoor Gymnasium and Field House at Bates College does more than provide the school with a top-notch indoor facility. In conjunction with the Mondo outdoor track that was installed in 2001, it secures Bates' position as one of the pre-eminent collegiate track venues in New England.
Installation of the indoor track was part of a comprehensive renovation to the facility. Since its completion at the end of August, the venue has been in heavy use by student-athletes training for the indoor track season, which began on Jan. 17. Al Fereshetian, head coach of the men's track and field team, said he expects the Mondo Super X Performance track will minimize the risk of injuries and help athletes achieve their best times. "Our track athletes have been very pleased with the Mondo track - it's very fast and its energy return system is very effective. We'll see better performances because of the level of training we can maintain."
The Mondo Super X Performance surface also was installed throughout the rest of the facility, including on the four indoor tennis courts. "The Mondo surface has also enhanced the play of the game for our tennis players because it produces a true bounce and is definitely easier on their legs," Fereshetian said.
College officials were pleased with how smooth the track installation was. "The crew was very easy to work with, and the support we got from Mondo was fantastic," Fereshetian said. "Our first and foremost considerations in selecting a new surface were Mondo's unbeatable reputation and long history. Already having the outdoor Mondo track, we knew about its longevity and exceptional performance."
Fereshetian said Mondo's history of providing tracks to the Olympic Games should give Bates a major advantage in recruiting student-athletes. "When I talk about Mondo, I stress that Bates College has two Olympic-quality tracks," he said. "That alone says a lot about the product and it's a great benefit to our athletes."
The Merrill Indoor Gymnasium and Field House also is used by Bates College's lacrosse, tennis, and track and cross country teams, as well as by most of the school's other athletes for conditioning and training. It is also available to students and community members.
The world's top track for more than 30 years and the track of the eight Olympic Games prior to Beijing, Super X Performance was designed to maintain its initial physical properties so it provides consistent performance throughout its life. The vulcanized natural rubber surface provides maximum elasticity and unparalleled durability, and its embossed, textured finish makes it extremely easy to maintain with no resurfacing required. The high-performance track is renowned for its shock absorption and optimal energy return, and its ideal blend of speed and comfort minimizes the occurrence of injuries.
About Bates College
Bates College, a small, private college located in Lewiston, Maine, was founded in 1855. More than half of the school's 1,700 athletes participate in Bates' varsity and club sports programs, and since1935, the school has turned out 18 NCAA track champions in men's and women's events.
About Mondo
Mondo is the global leader in the sports flooring market, manufacturing floor surfaces for virtually every sport. More than 1,100 Mondo tracks and 800 Mondo artificial turf fields are installed worldwide. The official supplier of the athletic track for the past nine Olympic Games, Mondo also is the official supplier or official sponsor of more than 100 sports federations and associations, including FIBA, IAAF, Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, NIRSA, U.S. Track Coaches Association and YMCA.
The company also supplies a wide variety of commercial flooring and is the world's largest producer of sports and toy balls with an average daily production of 450,000 units. In addition, it manufactures large luxury yachts under its Mondo Marine division. Mondo invests heavily in research and development to ensure its products meet the highest quality standards in the industry, deliver optimal athletic performance, are durable, require minimal maintenance and are environmentally safe.
A family-owned business since its founding in 1948, Mondo's global headquarters are in Italy. The company has manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia and sells its products in more than 196 countries. More information about Mondo is available at www.mondousa.com.
Mondo is a registered trademark of Mondo.
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