Track Talk October 17, 2013

By Pete Petty

It was a great day at the track in Blue River last Saturday as runners and walkers took part in the McKenzie Harvest Run/Walk sponsored by the McKenzie Eagles Booster Club. The charity event was organized by Kitti Price for the benefit of the athletes in the McKenzie schools. Kitti, of course, was our mystery personality in last week’s “Who Am I?” The booster club is one of Kitti’s good causes and we in the community owe her a big thank-you for her many good deeds.

Not only did the runners and walkers have excellent weather for the event, but they were able to make use of part of the new AMJ building for the very first time! Granted it was only the porch overhang and electricity via an extension cord, but it was comforting to gather under shelter that didn’t need anchoring with weights and enjoy fresh brewed coffee and Bernadette’s famous berry cobbler! The roof is going on the building this week and everyone is looking forward to using the new facility during next spring’s track season.

The cross country track season is in full swing but will come to conclusion at the district wide championship meet being hosted by the McKenzie Eagles at the track on Saturday, Oct. 26. It should be an impressive gathering of student athletes vying for a chance to compete at the state level. Spectators at that event will be able to try out the view from the new bleacher seating currently being assembled by volunteers.

On the subject of volunteering, the track volunteers displayed the right stuff turning out early Sunday morning to pick up litter along the section of McKenzie Highway adopted by the MCTF. The 2 mile stretch from Finn Rock to the track was given a good fall cleanup. They were taking part in what’s becoming a tradition of doing community service on holidays. Not sure when that started but it certainly seems a great idea. Truly amazing the amount of debris ending up alongside our highways. Even more amazing are those dedicated enough to pick it up and contribute to keeping our river valley the special place it is.