Carson High School track resurfaced

For four years, Carson High School's track has been in such a state of disrepair that the team has not been able to hold home meets.

However, that will change this track season when Carson hosts Douglas and Reno high schools in March.

As part of the $25 million school bond passed by voters in 2006, $2.5 million was dedicated to refurbishing the athletic complex at the high school.

The football field and bleachers were completed over the summer, and this week and next, while the football team is playing away games, crews will be working to resurface the all-weather track.

"It starts with a paving sub-base," said Mike Mitchell, director of operations for the Carson City School District. "Then a rubberized surface on top."

Once it is complete, it will exceed standards for competition and will be in contention to host a state track meet, Mitchell said.

The advantages of an all-weather track, Mitchell said, include increased durability and better cushioning for athletes.

"It's got that resiliency to it," he said. "It's easier on your bones and joints."

Track coach Robert Maw agreed.

"It'll certainly give us a training advantage," he said. "We can put hurdles on the track and not worry about kids twisting an ankle."

Maw said being able to host meets will also be a psychological advantage.

"The kids get a sense of home feeling and want to defend it," he said. "They have felt a little slighted in the past."

The first all-weather track was installed at the high school in 1992, but has not been replaced since.

In addition to resurfacing the track, the long jump and high jump pits were renovated along with the pole vault and shot put and discus rings.

As well as submitting a bid for a future state track meet, Maw said the team will also be looking to revive the invitational meet, the Capital Classic, which used to be a tradition at the school.

Although some of the school's top athletes graduated last year " including sprinter, hurdler and jumper Kayla Sanchez, who is competing in track and field at Arizona State University " Maw is looking forward to this year.

"The kids coming up are excited," he said. "They want to get out on that track and start training. It can only help us."

Mitchell said he is appreciative to Carson City voters for supporting the bond issue.

He said the upgraded complex benefits competitive sports as well as the high school curriculum and the community at large.

"It duals with the P.E. classes who use it and the community takes advantage of it as well," he said. "There are people out there running and walking on the track all the time."

Maw said he hopes the community support continues, especially if the state track meet comes to Carson High School.

"Our whole community should be excited about our new facility," he said. "We're certainly looking for community support to host this. A lot of volunteers. It's not just a track team thing."

- Contact reporter Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1272.