The James A. Garfield Local Schools are set to make history as they gear up to host their first home track meet in over two decades at the brand-new JAG Track on April 2nd. The meet will see the host G-Men facing off against formidable opponents, the Mogadore Wildcats and Cardinal Huskies, with a start time set for 5:00 PM.
Excitement abounds as the completion of the state-of-the-art track and field complex has reached a milestone, allowing for the eagerly awaited competition. While final touches including grading and seating are yet to be completed, the essential construction has wrapped up. Notable features include an 8-lane rubberized track, along with dedicated areas for high jump, long jump, pole vault, discus, and shot put competitions. To enhance the visitor experience, an additional gravel parking lot has been installed just north of the track.
Amidst the buzz surrounding the upcoming meet, there's also a great deal of learning underway for the school staff. Several enhancements and upgrades have been implemented since the last home event, introducing new digital laser timing systems, computer-scored events, and cutting-edge sound systems. For administration and coaches alike, adapting to these advancements presents a new layer of challenges and opportunities for growth.
Heading the charge are Head Coach Matt Pfleger and Garfield Athletic Director Jim Pfleger, who express their anticipation for the positive impact the new track will have on the already thriving program. As they work tirelessly to ensure that all systems are fully operational and any potential kinks are ironed out well in advance, their dedication reflects the District's commitment to providing top-tier athletic facilities for its students and the broader community.
Following the inaugural meet on April 2nd, the schedule for the track season includes a Middle School Quad-meet on April 17th, featuring Springfield, Waterloo, and McDonald, with a start time of 4:30 PM. Another Middle School Quad-meet is scheduled for May 1st, hosting Crestwood, Cardinal, and Bristol, also beginning at 4:30 PM.
As the countdown to the track meet continues, the Garfield community eagerly anticipates witnessing the culmination of months of preparation and dedication. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to continuous improvement, the District reaffirms its position as a leader in fostering excellence in athletics and providing exceptional opportunities for student-athletes to shine.
