This year here at Okawville High School, we will be getting a new track! The construction started on September 23 and the finishing date was October 29. Mr. Senior said, “The reason why we decided to do this project was for our PE program, Track/Cross country team, and for our community! The track before had many holes and it would cause a hazard and when it rained there would be puddles.” The new track will have black asphalt, a three-lane track stripped with running lanes, and the field will have actual grass and no weeds!
The school board used a company from Addieville called Murhpy. They chose this company after having a school board meeting reviewing which company would be the best. There were three companies in the running. Each company had a presentation on why they should be chosen. Then they did a bidding process where all the companies would bid for the price at which they would do the project. “I’ll do it for $200…”, “ Well, I’ll do it for $100!” Then the school board chose the most qualified bidder for the lowest price.
Mr. Rakers expressed his expectations for the new track, “I hope the whole community uses it at the right time when the school isn’t using it. It makes our athletes better. As much success as we have, we should raise the bar a little bit. I’m excited that we are saving the tree and am hopeful the track will help our kids get outside. I think it’s important to get our PE program to get outside as much as possible. I think you guys [students] are inside too much in general, we all are including me. So the more we can get outside, get some exercise and fresh air, the better.”
Even with the new track Okawville still won’t be able to host any meets, but this will be a good track for the teams to practice on. To host meets, Okawville would need a 6-line track with a rubber surface. Hopefully, having the new level and lined track will contribute to better times and paced athletes.
Mrs. Holm, the High school track coach said, “We are looking forward to the experience. I believe the main area of the track will help us in practicing hurdles and pacing of various races.”
Mrs. Bowers, the head PE teacher, gave her thoughts about the new track. She said, “We are very excited about the track and it will provide a safe place for our students to run or walk on. We look forward to having it!” Okawville is so excited about the new track, which students can walk, practice, and play on, and the Okawville High School wants to thank all the people who helped with this project.
There are some rules, though, to keep the track looking fresh and new for a long time. No bikes, skateboards, scooters, hoverboards, go-karts, or any other wheeled vehicles are allowed on the track. Track spikes are not recommended; running and tennis shoes are allowed. Track hours are from dawn to dusk; it is not to be used at night. Do not use the infield after a large rain, it will take time for the grass to be established. Finally, please respect the grounds that the school has put a lot of work into it too and keep it in great shape for this year to come.