The Bobcats are getting a new track. Trustees with the Orangefield School District this month approved paying for a major renovation of the track facility at the high school.
Superintendent Dr. Stephen Patterson said the track has been in disrepair for several years, and Orangefield has not hosted a track meet for seven years because of the poor condition of the facility.
Orangefield voters approved the tax ratification election in October 2015. Dr. Patterson stated that upgrading the track with a new high quality surface which is up to the current standards was one of the projects earmarked with the funds made available by the passing of the tax ratification election last year.
Dr. Patterson indicated the total cost of the project is in the $950,000 range which came in under initial estimates. In addition to a new track as part of the upgrade there will be a “D Zone” for pole vault and high jump events. To maximize the use of space the triple jump area will be placed at turn 4 of the track. “When you look at the overall diagram, I think it makes efficient use of space and also maximizes the dollar value to our tax payer,” Dr. Patterson concluded.
The Orangefield Bobcats track team has had success in the past especially in the pole vault event, as the superintendent points out Orangefield graduate Eric Eshbach still holds the state record in that event. Dr. Patterson looks at the upgrading of the Orangefield track as he would an improvement to a regular classroom. “That track is a classroom in and of its self. A lot of people look at that as an athletic venue, but when you can get kids involved in your extra-curricular activities research shows that their academic performance goes up, disciplinary issues drop; it’s a win for kids when they’re actively engaged in a positive environment. Making that facility viable again is important to student success.”
Work has already begun on the new facility with the ripping up of the existing antiquated track. The upgrade is expected to be completed in time for track season next spring.
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