The Difference a Year Makes
At this time last year we were just wrapping up our cross country season and were surveying our crumbling, unlevel, old track. We had a plan, we knew what we needed, we were eager to begin the work, and yet at this precipice beginning a new era of Oak Ridge Track & Field, the daunting task felt immense for just our coaching staff and athletic administrators to accomplish.
Luckily, we did not have to do it alone. Far from it. Through your generous donations, the assistance of the school board, and the excellent work from our construction team, we stand here today surveying our brand new, competition-marked track. It would be surreal, if we weren’t so confident in our community, knowing from the beginning that we could accomplish this project because we have such a strong support behind us.
Now, we’re going into the grueling 7th lap of this 3200m-style fundraising race (or - if you’re so inclined - the 3rd 200m of an 800m or coming out the turn of the 200m.) We’re making the final push to complete our track & field renovation project so that our new facility is fully competition-ready for the spring.
Steeplechase barriers
Hurdle carts
Finish line camera with software upgrade
We only need $10,000 to help us cross this finish line. Then, Ben Martin Track will become THE elite track facility this side of the state - outside of the University of Tennessee - able to host everything from youth AAU meets all the way to the World Championships.
What does this new facility mean to our athletes?
Mr. Kolodney’s Broadcasting class graciously used one of their projects to help us tell you just how grateful we are for your support!
State Bound
It’s been some years since our coaches got to go swimming in the Victor Ashe Park lake (a feat we only get to enjoy when both teams qualify for State.) But last Wednesday at the Region 2 Championships, both sides proved just how important every single team member is by qualifying for State in nail-biting fashion!
All Region photos thanks to Tara Kneiser
The Girls
Says Head Cross Country Coach Ed Wright, “I challenged the kids this year, especially the girls, to not be afraid.” And fearless they were. Despite the seemingly individual nature of a race where each athlete is only responsible for their own position, these girls proved that cross country is very much a team sport. “Karen Molina actually fell down at one point, got back up, and beat Bearden’s #6 to punch our ticket.” Oak Ridge’s team placement - and qualifying decision - came down to a 6th man tie-break where Molina’s gritty performance secured our spot.
While our strength all season has been in the #2-7 finishers being pretty interchangeable - so someone’s bad day is easily recovered by someone else’s great one - freshman Dylan Job has been the staple leader all season. This was no exception at Region, where Job’s overall third place was the highest individual finish since Mariah Zawisza’s 2nd on 2010’s State-winning team.
The Boys
The boys went into the Region meet really wanting to beat local rival Hardin Valley, and they went after it. Led by a pair of hard-working captains, the boys team too showed the importance of every single place, defeating Hardin Valley by just two points for a 2nd place, State-qualifying finish. This is the third year in a row that the boys’ team has qualified, racing well on this tough course.
The boys team placed two in the top 14. Senior captain, Jack Biewer, garnered All-Region honors with his 8th place finish, and junior Manny Cruz joined his fellow captain in 14th. Coach Wright also highlighted senior Eddie Moore’s tough performance placing 15th.
Says an excited Coach Wright, “Region went exactly how we wanted when we set goals at the beginning of the season. Any year that you can qualify both boys and girls is great, and we had 3 All-Region performers. Now, the next challenge is to refocus and go after it at State.”
Thank you!
If you have already donated, then you are playing a huge part in ensuring that our athletes are safe and afforded an opportunity to compete on home turf amidst the cheers of our community. Forwarding this email to fellow ORHS T&F supporters, sharing our donation link and spreading the word on social media are all exceptionally helpful ways to continue your support, which we greatly appreciate. We hope to see you soon in our brand new facility!