Better late than not at all for track meet

As everyone knows, COVID-19 has played havoc with our lives. However, they say that good old vitamin D, liquid sunshine, is supposed to be beneficial in counteracting this wicked thing.
 Recreational sports were put on hold for awhile but now that the restrictions have been somewhat lifted, it’s time to get back into the living of life as we used to know it.
 What better way to not only do this but also to bask in some sunshine than to have a little fun on a track? With that in mind, the Weiser Recreation Department has the annual youth track program running the week of June 15.
 This ongoing tradition was one that just had to happen, not only for the youth of the area but for the long time coach. I, being that coach, need this week of pure fun and exercise to re-energize my own batteries.
 With the program running a lot later in the year and with the temperatures being much hotter, sunscreen, hats if you prefer and plenty of water is recommended for participation. Bathrooms may not be available so keep that in mind.
 Also of note due to the lateness, the grade requirement will be modified. If the young athlete has just completed the sixth grade, they will still be allowed to participate as a sixth grader.
 What does this camp provide, you may ask? It’s a learning experience on how to properly run, jump and throw a softball. Participants can compete in the 25 and 50 yard dashes, the 100, 200 and 400 meters (depending on age restrictions), the standing and running long jumps and the softball throw. Girls throw the smaller ball.
 Each practice begins at 5 p.m. at the Weiser High School track and runs for an hour. The first order of business is to greet your coach and then run a half a lap. Proper stretching is done as a group with plenty of distance between athletes.
 Next, form running which is where the athlete will be encouraged to do the exercise properly. After that, it’s all about the fun.
 One of the most popular activities that is presented is the relays. Every athlete has a chance to run as part of a relay. The little ones run much shorter distances of course. This is by far the most competitive event offered on a daily basis.
 It’s an absolute joy to watch and the coach has been known to help some teams by holding back the faster/older groups so the competition is much closer. As always, being able to laugh, smile and have fun is a requisite.
      After a week of learning how to run, jump and throw, the athletes will have a chance to put all they have learned into real competition against each other.
 The track meet will commence on Saturday, June 20, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. The meet will begin at 9 a.m. with the group stretch and then the group picture. Field events will be done first with the exception of the 400 meters.  The culminating event is the all ages 4x100 meter relay.
    Everyone is encouraged to participate and in years past, this has been the greatest of all events with parents competing against their children. Yes, you parents can still impress your youngsters by showing them how it’s done. The Bengay and aches and pains just prove you are still alive. The past several years, the meet has only lasted three hours so the rest of Saturday will be free.
      Let’s hope Mother Nature is kind to us this year as traditionally this week seems to hold some tremendous thunder boomers and such. Hope to see you all there.