North Union’s new track and field additions include two discus cages, three shot put pits, a long jump pit and an area for pole vaulting.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
—
New throwing and jumping pits for the track and field program have been added to North Union’s athletic facilities.
While it might not be outdoor track and field season just yet, North Union head coach Cole Krawczyk is excited with the new additions .
“When they redid the practice field, they took out my original shot put and discus pits,” he told the Journal-Tribune. “Last year, we had to move it right next to the middle school.”
After conducting a meeting to iron out the relocation of the throwing pits, the empty space between the football field and baseball diamond proved to be the best possible location.
“It kept all my stuff together,” Krawczyk said. “Even moving the pole vault and everything, I will have everything in one area for our meets.”
The new additions include three shot put areas, two discus pits and a new pole vault set-up.
They allow athletes and coaches to remain in a central location near one another. They are also a stone’s throw away from the track, making Krawczyk’s job easier.
“I can stand there at the beginning of meets and just watch,” he said.
“It turned out awesome,” North Union athletic director Nick Hajjar said. “I am so happy for our kids and coaches… the track program deserves that.”
Additions to the track program were part of phase three of NU’s updating of its football field and adjacent practice fields. Hajjar said the additions were made to improve the logistics for athletes and coaches during meets.
“It allows efficiency,” Hajjar said. “I think it will create a neat atmosphere because there are going to be more people located and not as much spread out.
“It is a huge win for everybody.”
North Union superintendent Richard Baird said the need to take advantage of the opportunity at hand was ripe for the taking when it came to the athletic projects.
“As we were having to move some of the track events around, we ended up working with our architect to draw up a plan where everything would fit for our athletes and spectators,” he said.
The process took one- to-two years before ground started to move.
The idea for where the throwing facilities would be were finalized roughly a year ago, according to Baird. The cost of the new track and field facilities totaled $246,766 and was approved during the July 24 board of education meeting.