Prairie High School’s Track and field team will compete with 15 other schools at the Columbia River Twilight Invitational this Friday, April 18th. I spoke with one of the team’s coaches to gather more details about this important event. Here are some key points to keep you informed and prepared for the competition.
In preparation for the competition, the athletes are training diligently after school, typically 5-6 times a week according to Coach Nicholas Spencer. Coordinating their schedule with discipline, track meets are usually held 1-2 times a week between 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm while invite meets on the weekends are all-day events. As for equipment, it varies for each athlete. For greater traction and speed, athletes typically use “Spike Shoes”. “Sprinters use starting blocks, pole vaulters use poles, throwers use javelins, shot puts, and the discus and the hurdlers use hurdles, “Nicholas Spencer further elucidated.
To triumph in races, athletes compete in ranges between 2-8 laps (800-3200 meters). Other events can span between a quarter and a full lap. Requirements for participation are simple; pass the basic physical and you’re in! Although the track meets are free, the invitationals and post-season ones might cost between $5-$15 to attend.
Track/Field is more than just a sport; it’s an opportunity to express oneself while rubbing shoulders with other athletes. With over 130 athletes signed up this year, the team is thriving and welcoming new members to join the journey.
