Rocks are a problem for the long jump area, too, pointed out senior shotput and discus competitor Nicolle Worcester. The area is so wet that sand has to be hauled in, and that sand sometimes has rocks in it.

To train for track events, runners also need to use the streets of the surrounding community, something that keeps the coaches concerned about safety, said team members.

Almost five years ago, alumnus Floyd Hennagir suggested that this situation be changed. Interested students, staff and alumni began to plan. A concept for a track complex was developed and submitted to the state.

There it hit a roadblock. An obscure state rule prevented the project from moving forward because of cost and acreage requirements.

The track committee regrouped. Another concept was developed that would meet the needs of safe athletic training on standardized event spaces while being within the state requirements. The track, for instance, would only be a 200 meter, 4 lane half-track, but it would have a good running surface and have the right curve to practice on.

Best of all, it could be completed this year.

That’s the goal of the senior members of the team who have been helping raise money since their 9th grade year. It’s also a goal of Bigfork high school students who play baseball. Along with the new track, discus, shot put and long/triple jump facilities, the concept plan calls for upgrading the current Little League field on the same site. And that, hope juniors Powell and Sam Carlson, will lead to a varsity baseball team at the school.

Going the Distance – Buy a Meter

About $70,000 toward the more than $200,000 needed has already been raised through school and community events. To launch the final push, the Bigfork High School Alumni Committee is holding a “Going the Distance” meal at the Huskie Cafe from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12. It’s a good evening to be in town, after the meal diners may want to stay for the boys basketball game against rival Deer River.

The menu will include roast beef or pork, potatoes, vegetable, roll, beverage and bars served by the track team athletes. The new concept plan will be on display.

The cost of the dinner is a free will offering. But for those who wish to do more, there will be an opportunity to join the “Buy-a-Meter” campaign. For a contribution of $50, donors can help forward the project by “buying” a meter of the 200 meter track. Fully subscribed, the campaign would raise $40,000.

Rewards

The rewards of developing a track complex at the school are worth the four years of work, say team members. Senior Amber Kolm pointed out that even though track is a team, it is done more as an individual sport. Athletes are competing against themselves to better themselves, said Worcester. And as an individual sport, it gives everyone a chance to participate, pointed out Powell.

It’s a chance to feel good about yourself, explained Karla Pula, and it’s a chance to meet other kids from other schools. At one annual meet in Bemidji, she said, there are 1,400 participants from over 20 teams that come together. Over the season between March and June the team may travel to 10 – 15 meets.

Having a track complex would help the team reach their personal goals, and maybe have a better chance to make it to sectionals and state. “When we have our own track and better areas for shot put, discus and long hump, we would be better trained in those events,” said Worcester and Chris Choat in a letter they authored recently.

The team is pretty good now, believes Pula, who has received letters from colleges interested in her ability in discus. Just think, she added, where it could be with proper facilities!

Although the project is designed with the needs of the track and field team in mind, it is actually a multipurpose field. Worcester and Choate pointed out that the field would also be open to physical education classes, the Little League and the community itself.

The complex is a very achievable goal, believes Powell, reflecting the students’ ongoing commitment ... it just needs a little hard work, he said.