Truly SAD times
Being an Alumni of the Pickerington track and field program, and a PHS (C?) graduate, I think it is honestly pathetic and sad that the track at ridgeview is only being granted 7 lane status.
First of all, the size of the track should be no concern, as the only limiting factor to the size of the current area is the cell-tower, which would not inhibit 8-42'' lanes. the stands, the field, the track, and the press boxes can ALL fit around this tower, on the same land.
Being a runner, i realize that this is the new standard width, and thats fine. What i dont realize is how thrifty this decision is, considering the TWO 8 lane tracks currently at north.
Please dont try to tell me that having both teams practice at north is a viable solution, because I have seen it happen, and it does not work-period. space-wise, transportation-wise, and time-wise. I can see this bitter divide between schools, and It breaks my heart when i remember how great my high school was when it was still the only one in town.
Having big events is crucial for track programs-especially that of Central's team, which is one of the smallest and most struggling D1 programs in the state, all thanks to the split. It was the once great meets such as the STINGEL and PICKERINGTON invitationals, to name a few, that drew attention and top track teams from all over the state. With 7 lanes, central will be LUCKY to pull of some slow-moving dual meets. They can and will kiss the once great championship track team days goodbye.
Also, do not try to argue for an entire new stadium to be built on central grounds, becasuse that would imply that there is quite a bit of space on central property: space that could have been used to expand PHSC, instead of building an entirely new school. The track team has grown to enjoy the traditional location for over a decade, and I really dont think this issue is much of a concern.
Before firing off your own opinions about funding and priorities, it would be best to know exactly what you're talking about. In all my years of competition, I have only once run on a 7 lane track once- at a JUNIOR HIGH track, in Gahanna, as an 8th grader.
An 8 lane track is NOT too much to ask for. In fact for almost all runners, its a maximum, its a minimum, and its a STANDARD. And before any parents raise the issue of ''central having an indoor track'' and north not; one lap around central's field house, is the exact same distance as a lap around north's gymnasium. Coming home from College, I find my beloved city in heated divide and permanent struggle. So much has changed, and I really fear for the direction of both schools, the kids, and their parents.
Being an Alumni of the Pickerington track and field program, and a PHS (C?) graduate, I think it is honestly pathetic and sad that the track at ridgeview is only being granted 7 lane status.
First of all, the size of the track should be no concern, as the only limiting factor to the size of the current area is the cell-tower, which would not inhibit 8-42'' lanes. the stands, the field, the track, and the press boxes can ALL fit around this tower, on the same land.
Being a runner, i realize that this is the new standard width, and thats fine. What i dont realize is how thrifty this decision is, considering the TWO 8 lane tracks currently at north.
Please dont try to tell me that having both teams practice at north is a viable solution, because I have seen it happen, and it does not work-period. space-wise, transportation-wise, and time-wise. I can see this bitter divide between schools, and It breaks my heart when i remember how great my high school was when it was still the only one in town.
Having big events is crucial for track programs-especially that of Central's team, which is one of the smallest and most struggling D1 programs in the state, all thanks to the split. It was the once great meets such as the STINGEL and PICKERINGTON invitationals, to name a few, that drew attention and top track teams from all over the state. With 7 lanes, central will be LUCKY to pull of some slow-moving dual meets. They can and will kiss the once great championship track team days goodbye.
Also, do not try to argue for an entire new stadium to be built on central grounds, becasuse that would imply that there is quite a bit of space on central property: space that could have been used to expand PHSC, instead of building an entirely new school. The track team has grown to enjoy the traditional location for over a decade, and I really dont think this issue is much of a concern.
Before firing off your own opinions about funding and priorities, it would be best to know exactly what you're talking about. In all my years of competition, I have only once run on a 7 lane track once- at a JUNIOR HIGH track, in Gahanna, as an 8th grader.
An 8 lane track is NOT too much to ask for. In fact for almost all runners, its a maximum, its a minimum, and its a STANDARD. And before any parents raise the issue of ''central having an indoor track'' and north not; one lap around central's field house, is the exact same distance as a lap around north's gymnasium. Coming home from College, I find my beloved city in heated divide and permanent struggle. So much has changed, and I really fear for the direction of both schools, the kids, and their parents.
