Contributed by Brookwood High School
Since it was established in the early 1960s, Brookwood has had a successful track and field program. Over the 60 years of the school’s existence, these athletes could be seen running in the parking lot and on the school’s hilly campus. For a brief period in the 1970s, they hosted meets on a 200-meter grass track at the old Norwalk Elementary School. For a few years in the last decade, they even hosted a few meets in their parking lot. Beyond these events, Brookwood has never hosted major track and field competitions; that is about to change.
Next week, Brookwood will host its first two meets on its brand new, eight-lane, 400-meter track. The community is encouraged to come to these historic events. On Monday, April 14, there will be a middle school invitational, and on Tuesday, April 15, there will be a high school invitational. Athletes from over 10 schools from around the
region will be coming to be a part of these historic events. The meets will start at 4:30 p.m. each day.
Spectators will be able to watch competition from the grandstands, which feature seating for over 500 people and handicap accessibility ramps and wheelchair spaces. In addition, they can go to the east side of the track to watch the field events of triple jump, long jump, discus, shot put, and pole vault. This will be the first time since the 1980s that Brookwood has had competitors in the pole vault, since they did not have adequate practice space for this event. The track program is interested in finding out any history on the pole vault records that alumni competitors established so they can correctly acknowledge these accomplishments. Spectators can see the high jump competition as it occurs at the north end of the football field, which is in the center of track.
Brookwood’s track and field team has over 80 participants between high school and middle school. These athletes can be seen using the new facility throughout the week and on the weekends. The track also is open for public use for walking and running, and individuals can appreciate the amazing setting as the track is nestled in the hillside on which the school sits.
Spectators are encouraged to come early to get an understanding of the layout of the track and field facilities. The parking lot will be busy until 3:45 p.m. with school buses and student and faculty vehicles. There is also construction occurring on the new addition to the school.
There is handicap parking adjacent to the Adam Luing facility, and if any individual anticipates needing assistance, they can contact the school in advance and plans can be established.
People will also want to mark their calendars for Tuesday, May 20, when the athletic department will host the Scenic Bluffs Conference Track and Field Meet. The school and the track and field teams would again extend their thanks and gratitude to the community for the support of this facility.
