This past year, OH Athletics has worked with the district to upgrade the outdoor track and tennis courts. With minimal updates on the progress, OH principal Chris Grays sent out an email to panther families updating them on the track’s readiness for the spring season.
“The work on the OHS track was scheduled to be completed by the Spring of 2024; however, work will not be completed in time to allow for the use of the track for the spring season,” Grays said in his email.
Sophomore Audrey Vlna, a distance runner on the OH Track Team, acknowledged what she knew about the track leading up to the season.
“When we had summer running this year, it wasn’t (to my knowledge) being worked on then, and I didn’t think they’d work through the winter, so I assumed it would not be done for the spring,” Vlna said.
OH Athletic Director Darren Howard shared more about the roadblocks that have been faced during the process leading to the delay.
“Several delays have impacted the length of time the process has taken including weather, product backorder, extenuating circumstances with the condition of the ground, soil, and water table levels once work had started,” Howard said.
For many student-athletes, this is quite concerning. With the practice spaces being limited, Grays has worked with the district to find other spaces.
“The field house and outdoor field spaces will be used for practices,” Grays said. “In addition, we will continue to research alternative outdoor practice opportunities with our conference schools and community partners.”
Not only are the practice spaces being affected, but also the home meets.
“Home track meets have been relocated to other conference venues, more information will be shared with athletes as it is finalized,” Grays said.
This is not ideal for OH or the athletes affected by this, but Grays relays that they are working as timely as they can.
“We acknowledge the impact these unexpected delays have on our student-athletes and will continue to offer whatever support is needed,” Grays said.
My name is Miranda Cook, and this is my second year being a part of 42Fifty! I am a senior at OHS, and I am on the varsity cheer team. I enjoy taking photos and hanging out with my friends in my free time, and I cannot wait to continue my career in journalism!
