Is it raining in Lexington? Have any events been postponed?

Lots of factors are involved in the lack of recognition for track and field.

 

First and foremost is the lack of television coverage. I did see the Prefontaine meet on ESPN 2 this past weekend, but that was a rare occurrence. Try to find the world track and field championships on TV when they take place - good luck. Meanwhile, you can watch POKER on ESPN 2 nearly every day.

 

Next (at least in my neck of the woods) is the lack of local media coverage. There was a blurb in the Maysville paper yesterday about local kids (Mason County, Fleming County and Lewis County) that will be participating in the state meet. No real research at all, the article was grossly inaccurate. No coverage of the recently held regional meet, where the Mason County boys set a school record in the 4X100, Ron Duncan dominated the distance events, etc. etc. Meanwhile, the local softball and baseball teams, who scored a grand total of zero runs combined, get major coverage.

 

Track (and its fall counterpart, cross country) are not revenue-producing sports, by and large. The Kentucky state championships are held at a deteriorating facility (although this year they will be held at a high school - try staging the Sweet 16 or the Football championship games at a high school gym or stadium and see what the response will be). The University of Louisville is practically begging to host the high school state meets, but for some reason no one will take them up on the offer.

 

And it's not like track is going up against football or basketball in its quest for athletes. My dad coached football, wrestling and track "back in the day", and it was pretty much a requirement that a good many of his football players and wrestlers participated in track in the spring. Track competes with baseball and tennis for athletes, so there should be an abundant supply. However, many schools struggle to get kids to participate.

 

There is a general lack of understanding on the part of the general public as to how track meets run, how they are scored, etc. Many folks think that they take too long to complete, and that they don't want to sit for hours "watching kids run around in circles".

 

Finally, there's the notion that elite track stars are steroid-enhanced primadonnas who scratch their event every time they have a hangnail, and that's a tough image to counteract.

 

Sorry for the thread hijack; mabe we could start a new thread on the state of track and field.

 

Just a couple of points I'd say I especially agree with. U of L's facility is awesome! I think it should be strongly considered in the future. I doubt it will, but I think it should be.

 

I know that Trinity's Steve Orndorff (WR for football team) is competing and considered a top seed in the 200, I believe.

 

Go Rocks!

Is it raining in Lexington? Have any events been postponed?

 

The 1A meet was great. Not too hot, not too cold. Though the sprinters may have liked it a little warmer. A few sprinkles fell near the end, but then the sun came out. It is overcast but does not appear to be raining right now. Hopefully all classes will get their prelims in today.

Just a couple of points I'd say I especially agree with. U of L's facility is awesome! I think it should be strongly considered in the future. I doubt it will, but I think it should be.

 

I know that Trinity's Steve Orndorff (WR for football team) is competing and considered a top seed in the 200, I believe.

 

Go Rocks!

 

One HUGE drawback for UofL is the fact that the throwing events would need to take a shuttle to their venue. To me, that would be putting them below the other events since most people would not get to see them compete. Makes it especially tough for a small school coach who coaches a lot of different events too.

Tomorrow should be a GREAT day of competition. E.J. Fields of Frankfort and Kwasi Obeng of Bardstown are set to face off in the 400 meters and the 200 meters.

 

Sharika Smith from Fulton County is continuing her winning ways on the girls side.

Today Chrys Jones of Harrodsburg triple jump 48-06

Now will this be a record?

Murray's Jon Wilson set a new record in the Class A 200 meters at 22.18 seconds. The old mark was 22.20 by Lanie Fomas of Paris in 1986. Wilson's time was wind-aided so we'll have to see if it falls in the limits allowed.

 

Jones broke the old triple jump record of 48-02 set by Carroll County's Marc Mumphrey in 1987.

Mumphrey's Carroll Co. teams used to beat us senseless - he was one outstanding athlete. Hooped at Wright St.

Today Chrys Jones of Harrodsburg triple jump 48-06

Now will this be a record?

He broke the Class A record, but not the overall record.

No records set in AA or AAA today

No records set in AA or AAA today

Any results in AAA on Shot Put, Discus and Hurdles?

http://www.khsaa.org/track/2006/3afinalresultsdayone.htm

Thanks for the link.:thumb:

No problem. In the field events, they are final. The events switch gender on Saturday compared to what was held today.

No problem. In the field events, they are final. The events switch gender on Saturday compared to what was held today.

Did not find any results of the discus. Is that tomorrow?