VHS cross-country team suffers with state of current track

I still vividly remember the first time on I stepped up to the track when I was a freshman. It was in August of 2013, and the sparkling sun blinded my eyes as I looked around in a confusing mix of fear and anticipation. It was my first practice for high school cross country. Now, after four years of the sport at VHS — including two years as team captain — I know how my experiences on the team have changed my life for the better. Cross country gave me community, memories and life lessons that are now a part of my DNA.

There was only one continuing problem with it all, something that I hope others will not have to face.

An undeniable part of every day for VHS track and cross country runners is working around the state of the track. Our teams treat it almost like a punchline, going to meets and watching the facial expressions of other runners as we describe our dirt track. But that really is just our compensation for how much of an issue the track is for us. Besides the injuries that it causes, and the disadvantage we have to teams that can train on real tracks, there is something deeper that concerns me. I am worried about those who are discouraged from ever joining our teams in the first place because they are scared off by the frequently unusable track. Our track, I fear, actively discourages kids from participating in something that could enrich their lives.

This isn’t a case of privileged kids getting what they want, but more of a case of what is just. Our school teams deserve the dignity to not have to joke about our facilities, and all students deserve the moment I found in the sun.

— Isaac Hughes