The construction of the St. Denis Athletic Centre's 200 metre mondo track in 1981 provided an excellent opportunity for the University of Windsor to create one of North America's premiere track and field programs. Under the guidance of Dr. Mike Salter the Lancer program witnessed continued improvement producing a number of all-Conference and all-Canadian award winners. In the early years of the St. Denis Centre the Lancers were led by stars like Andy Buckstein who captured 21 OUAA medals during his career as a Lancer, all-Canadian long jumper Elaine Weeks and Olympian Andrea Conlon (now Steen). Although the Lancers did not have the depth to challenge for a team title, Dr. Mike Salter formed the base for what would become a dynasty in the 90's.

With his hard work ethic, strong recruitment and national class coaching skills, Coach Fairall has built the Lancers into one of Canada's top track & field squads. But this was not done alone by any means. Since his arrival, Fairall has brought aboard a strong crew of assistant coaches. By aquiring these specific events coaches, a number of successful recruiting years soon followed, eventually leading the Lancers to their first of many championship banners.

The Lancer track and field team now has 8 assistant coaches including national team members, former national team members and an Olympic bronze medalist. Combining a quality coaching staff, solid budget for travel to competitions and an annual winter training camp in Puerto Rico, the University of Windsor has continued to attract quality athletes.

Even when considering all CIAU sports, one would be hard pressed to argue that the Lancers aren't the team of the 90's. Both men's and women's Lancer cross country and track and field teams have combined for 18 Ontario University Conference titles and 9 CIAU Canadian Championship titles. Since Coach Fairall's appointment in 1985 the Lancer cross country and track and field team's have produced 64 All-Canadians (and counting).