Jan 12, 2010 10:45:45 AM

St. John Fisher announced receipt of a $3 million gift to build a track and field complex at the school, saying the new facility will enable the addition of seven new varsity sports.

College President Donald E. Bain announced the gift from the Polisseni Foundation January 11, noting it is the third-largest donation in school history.

In addition to building the Polisseni Track and Field Complex, the school will add men's and women's cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field programs as well as a varsity field hockey team.

"We are extremely grateful to the Polisseni Foundation — particularly Wanda Polisseni, who is a trustee of the college — for this gift," Bain said. "The foundation has made a tremendous impact on the quality of life in the Rochester (New York) community, and we are pleased that their work will extend to the Fisher campus.

"The addition of the Polisseni Track and Field Complex will allow us to add intercollegiate athletics offerings, will enhance the recreational opportunities for all members of the Fisher community, and will position the college quite competitively among our peer institutions."

The gift enables the college to build an eight-lane, 400-meter track with infield locations for shot put, pole vault and long jump events. The facility will seat approximately 1,000 fans and also include locker rooms for student-athletes.

Construction is scheduled to begin this fall and is expected to be completed by summer 2011, before the Buffalo Bills begin preseason training at the school.

The new varsity teams will begin competition during 2011-12. School officials estimated the programs will attract an additional 150 student-athletes to the college.

St. John Fisher currently sponsors 14 varsity sports (seven each for men and women).