13th annual Black Bears Summer Track and Field Meet held
WARSAW – The cheers were loud as competitors of all ages gathered at the 13th annual Black Bear Summer Track and Field All Comers Classic was held on Saturday, July 8 at Don Rushing Stadium at River View High School. Anyone, ages 4 and up, was welcome to compete in a variety of events.
Cyrus Granger is beginning his second year as the head coach for the girls’ track team. “This is a fundraiser for the track teams and it’s a great way for younger kids to see what track is all about and get them interested in the team.” Steve Martin, parent volunteer, agreed. “I brought my kids to this and they got hooked on competing.” Martin said his children still enjoy track events and that the summer classic got them started early.
Boys and girls were able to compete in many events. Smaller children were eligible to compete in several races, softball throw, long jump and high jump. Older students could also compete in longer races, hurdles, pole vault, disc, and shot put. Medals were given to the people who placed first, second and third in each age group, while ribbons were given to fourth, fifth and sixth place finishers. All other competitors, ages 4 -12, received participation ribbons.
David Adams, 14, from Indian Valley came to compete in the pole vault. “It’s my favorite thing to do. I wanted to get practice and it’s fun to compete against people I don’t usually get to.” His goal was to clear nine feet with his vault. “I’ve cleared 8’6” easily, so 9’ shouldn’t be a problem.”
Families followed the younger athletes from event to event, offering cheers of support and advice as the children practiced before each event. Other supporters sat in the stands and yelled cheers and encouragement from there.
Riley Gottardi is 8 and loves to run. Although she was worried about trying the high jump at first, she said it was her favorite after she had tried it a few times. “I got first place in the 200 meter run,” she said. Her mom, Heather, said she brought Riley because she is very athletic and enjoys swimming and soccer. “I thought she would like trying the different events.” Riley said she might be on the track team when she gets older as she ran off to “officially” compete in the high jump. She had practiced several times.
Five year old Josh Collins has a big brother on a track team and he always likes watching the meets. His mom, Coralea, thought he would enjoy competing in his own events. “He wants to be like his big brother.” She said Josh competed in the softball throw, long jump and several races. Josh said he slowed down in one of his races because he wanted the boy beside him to win. “I can run really fast,” he said. He also said, “I can maybe beat my brother. But maybe not. He’s really fast. I don’t think he would let me win if he could get a trophy.”
Category: High School, Sports
