Usa Track And Field Denies Cassell’s Contract Extension

Ollan Cassell, who has ruled U.S. track and field for 31 years, was denied a contract extension Tuesday night in a vote supporters hope will spur the redevelopment of the sport in this country.

The board of directors of USA Track and Field voted 52-34 against an extension of Cassell’s contract as executive director, which expires in March 1998.

Cassell, who survived a similar no-confidence vote in 1994, has been criticized for not developing a clear path for the growth of track and field in the United States - where it has become a minor sport in recent decades.

“It’s time to have a healer and not a divisive element at the top,” said Julia Emmons, director of the Atlanta Track Club.

Butch Reynolds, the world-record holder in the 400 meters, has returned to Ohio State as an assistant track coach.