TCU track and field athletes will be in the spotlight when Thursday’s run becomes the backdrop for a scene in the new Paramount+ drama, “Land Man.”
The Lowdon Track and Field Complex is the center of the scene in the drama about the West Texas oil boom – told from the perspective of blue-collar workers and billionaires.
In addition to the athletes, an open call was put out for extras — in TCU gear, of course — to fill the stands.
Show-runner Taylor Sheridan, best known for the “Yellowstone” drama series, often features the Fort Worth area in his productions.
“What a tremendous opportunity and experience for our student-athletes to appear in this production,” said Jeremiah Donati, TCU’s director of intercollegiate athletics. “These do not come around often. Taylor Sheridan’s film projects are first class, and to be able to be involved in one is something I am sure they will not soon forget.”
Khadevis Robinson, TCU’s track and field coach, said he is looking forward to the track team being able to contribute by highlighting running in a major production.
“We’ve been running and competing for a while, and we know the benefits,” he said. “To have it here at TCU and our beautiful campus with these amazing kids we have here—I think it’s a bonus.”
The indoor season is underway, and the team has broken 12 school records in its past five meets.
The Big 12 Indoor Championships are next week, but Robinson said he isn’t worried Thursday’s production will be a distraction.
“The coaches know how to adjust and adapt,” he said. “We’re going to be doing the work and we’re going to be training either way. We just implemented [the show] into what we already do.”
Other than “Carter Boys,” the ESPN+ series that follows TCU’s football team, athletics has not seen this level of major production during Robinson’s tenure and he said that he is excited to see the campus featured.
“I think it’s a great thing to highlight [this campus] because a lot of people are surprised at how small and comfy TCU is. You know, a lot of people think it’s bigger than it really is,” Robinson said.
“Land Man” is set to premiere on Paramount+ before the end of 2024.
