Legendary Wilmington College Coach Jerry Scheve designated the construction of the Jenna Parlette Running Center as the centerpiece of his $23 million gift, much of which focuses on the pursuit of athletic excellence at WC. The new indoor track will take a step closer to becoming a reality on April 3, when the College hosts a public groundbreaking ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in the area off Elm Street between Herman Court and Williams Stadium. Construction is scheduled to start this summer for the facility, which will be built between the stadium and the Center for Sport Sciences.
Featured speakers at the ceremony include President Corey Cockerill; J. Brent Bill, chair, Board of Trustees; Ron Combs, head cross country and assistant men’s and women’s track and field coach; Matt Croci, director of athletics; and Jeff Parlette, the uncle of the facility’s namesake, the late Jenna Parlette.
The groundbreaking activity is being held in conjunction with an outdoor track meet featuring the Quakers and six other schools, beginning at 3 p.m. at Beckett Track in Williams Stadium
Jenna Parlette was a student-athlete at WC who tragically died after collapsing just short of winning a collegiate cross country race at Franklin College (IN) in 2013. For many years, the College has hoped to honor her memory by building a much-needed indoor track, an initiative Scheve quietly supported. Jenna’s mother, Lisa Parlette, who has worked tirelessly to garner support for what will now become part of her daughter’s legacy, was “shocked” when she learned last year that the running center would become a reality — and that Scheve’s generosity would make it happen. “I’m so grateful and humbled,” she said in citing Scheve’s foresight and magnanimous gesture. ”Words cannot fully express the depth of our joy and gratitude to Coach Scheve for making Jenna’s dream of an indoor track at WC a reality. His generosity will touch the lives of countless athletes, students and community members for generations to come.”
Ron Combs, Jenna Parlette’s track and cross country coach, said his excitement for the Jenna Parlette Running Center is hard to put into words. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in track and field and cross country, but excited for what we can do in the future with the running center,” he said. “Winter workouts, when there’s six inches of snow, we’ll be able to do the things we want to do, plus, we’ll be able to host indoor meets. This will make a huge impact on our programs and the College. I really want to make Jerry proud.”
Scheve’s record $23 million gift has been described as “transformational” in positioning the institution for continued success in serving its students. Scheve was a highly respected accounting professor and championship women’s basketball coach who passed away in May 2025. He coached the Lady Quakers for 30 years before retiring in 2021. His 2004 team won the NCAA Division III national championship, the apex of his 518 career victories at WC.