The Holy Cross track and field programs have renamed their outdoor home meet to be called the Jim Kavanagh Legacy Invitational, in honor of the Varsity Club Hall of Famer and one of the longest-tenured coaches in Holy Cross Athletics history. 

The Jim Kavanagh Legacy Invitational is scheduled for Saturday, April 19 at the Hart Track. 

Kavanagh spent 52 seasons with the Crusaders, 46 as head coach of the cross country and men's track and field programs, and 22 as the Richard L. Ahern '51 Director of Cross Country and Track and Field prior to his retirement in 2022.

"For over 50 years, Jim Kavanagh was the cornerstone of Holy Cross cross country and track and field," said Egetta Alfonso '92, the current Richard L. Ahern '51 Director of Cross Country and Track and Field, who was named to the position following Kavanagh's retirement. "He embodied the spirit of sportsmanship, competitiveness and compassion. The formerly named Holy Cross Invitational has always been the stage where our students sought their best performances.   Renaming the meet 'The Jim Kavanagh Legacy Invitational' is the perfect way to honor the values that Jim Kavanagh long represented during his time at Holy Cross."

"I am thrilled to honor Jim's half-century of contributions to Holy Cross with the inaugural Jim Kavanagh Legacy Invitational in April," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes. "Generations of athletes have been positively impacted and inspired by Jim's genuine compassion and dedication to this program. By renaming this home meet, we will be able to honor his legacy within our department for years to come."

Prior to the meet, the Crusaders will host their annual Alumni Mile beginning at 10 a.m.

The Kavanagh Invitational headlines one of two home meets for the Crusaders this spring, as Holy Cross is also set to host the 2025 Patriot League Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 2 and 3. 

Holy Cross will begin its outdoor campaign on March 21 and 22 with a trip to Orlando, Fla., for the Black and Gold Invitational hosted by the University of Central Florida. 

2025 HOLY CROSS OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD SCHEDULE
Mar. 21-22 | at Black and Gold Invitational (hosted by UCF) | Orlando, Fla.
Mar. 28-29 | at Black and Gold Invitational (hosted by Bryant) | Smithfield, R.I.
Apr. 5 | at UMass Flagship Spring Opener (hosted by UMass Amherst) | Amherst, Mass. 
Apr. 11 | at Friar Invitational (hosted by Providence) | Providence, R.I.
Apr. 12 | at UMass Commonwealth Invitational | (hosted by UMass Amherst) | Amherst, Mass. 
Apr. 19 | Jim Kavanagh Legacy Invitational | Hart Track 
Apr. 26 | at Ken O'Brien Pre-Conference Meet | (hosted by UMass Amherst) | Amherst, Mass.
May 2-3 | Patriot League Outdoor Championship | Hart Track
May 9-10 | at New England Outdoor Championship (NEICAAA) | (hosted by UMass Amherst) | Amherst, Mass.

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