Yuma High School’s track and field complex will be buzzing with activity Tuesday for the first time in two years.
The local high school track and field season begins May 4 with YHS hosting the Bill Kalb Invitational. There are not any restrictions on how many schools can compete.
Season D features just nine regular season meets, including the league championships, before advancing to the state championships in late June.
Still, it will be the first time YHS track and field has been in a meet since the 2019 state championships.
“I think everyone is excited to be back on the track, outside, ready to compete,” YHS head coach Lucas Lubbers said.
The track athletes had gone through the preseason paces last year, and were about to start the 2020 season when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, resulting in all spring sports being canceled. Plus, the official preseason is relatively short leading up returning to competitive meets.
Track is all about running, jumping and throwing, but there is a considerable amount of technique involved.
“Missing a season will definitely have its toll on our program when it comes to building skill and experience,” Lubbers said. “Luckily, quite a few of our athletes have participated in other sports and have been at preseason workouts this year. We only have one week of practice this year to get as ready as we can before our first competition, when we usually have three weeks, so we will have to do the fine tuning as the season progresses.”
At least participation looks strong as Lubbers reported there are about 30 boys out for track and field. He said he expects to have about 20 girls, but that number currently is lower as the volleyball team has extended its season at least one week into regional, and many on the varsity will be out for track and field after that is over.
Lubbers said the boys team features several returning upperclassmen who are excited about getting back to the state meet. As for the girls team?
“Our girls team is young and excited to compete at the high school level on the track,” Lubbers said. “Both the freshman and sophomores have yet to compete at a high school track meet.”
So what can one expect Tuesday at the Bill Kalb Invitational?
“That our teams will go out and give it their all,” Lubbers said.
