Runners, take your mark. Eager, young participants readily file into their predetermined lanes, anticipation and determination evident within their hard-set faces. Get set. Many exchange sideways glances, sizing up the supposed competition if you will, as they ready themselves for the accepted signal. A gunshot startles competitors from their tensed, crouching positions into action as they embark upon the race ahead. Go!
Braving the muggy weather and humidity foreshadowing approaching storms, this was alike just one of many occurrences that took place during the annual Rushford Houston Youth Track and Field Meet on the afternoon of June 12. Along with both short and long distance running contests, the affair, held at Niggle Field on the outskirts of Rushford, also featured various field events characteristic to those involved during varsity- and junior high-level track meets, including long jump, discus, shot put, and high jump.
Varsity coach of the Rushford-Peterson/Houston Track team, Gary Wade, again coordinated the ordeal, now in its third consecutive year. Wanting to give neighboring children a mere feel for the sport and the numerous subdivisions set within it, the eager mentor likely saw many hopeful future recruits as the competition proved intense and individuals rose above and beyond on countless occasions.
In fact, not only impressing audience members but likely themselves as well, many of the tykes managed to succeed in several of their chosen events. With shot put distances traveling upwards near 25 feet, discus throwing clearing that of 50, high jump reaching a height of near four feet, long jump succeeding the same of 12, and running exemplifying results just as worthy of bragging about, it is indisputable a talented group of kids was present again this year.
As expected, attendance throughout the years has significantly grown as information about the activity has become more widespread. Indeed, beginning with an understanding low attendance, the around 50 participants last year and at least if not more this year have only reinforced this statement, leading to the organizer’s enthusiastic opinion of it being “very fun!”
Disregarding its undoubtedly increasing popularity, nothing about the competition has changed since its initial development. As a matter of fact, the happening has always been open to kids in grades 3-6 residing in Rushford, Houston, or their surrounding communities. Furthermore, ribbons are awarded to the top six in each event, each of which is separated into both boys and girls. With the clear and conclusive success, one can safely assume that no changes are expected in the near future, though this is done reassuringly in part because of this.
When asked about preferred events, Wade replied that those involving sprinting always seem to be looked upon with higher favorability than others. He also went on to state that as far as field events go, long jump, high jump, and shot put never fail to capture a fair amount of attention as well.
Only proving of his supportive and encouraging stance as both a coach and a coordinator, both positive attributes of any such guide, Gary Wade could often be seen throughout the course of the contest providing optimistic feedback to those taking part. It is through his actions, along with those of his team in their willingness to aid, that not only make the Rushford Houston Youth Track and Field Meet and events like it possible, but also enjoyable for both children, parents, and those just caring to watch year after year.
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