The new track at Mid-Pacific Institute promises new and exciting opportunities for the track and field team, but the construction poses sudden challenges for other sports teams.
Some sports teams affected by the construction include soccer and flag football, which rely on the field to practice for games. Now, they are facing scheduling challenges and reduced practice times.
“Our practice time is going to be cut in half because we have to take the bus there and back. We won’t get as much practice time there as we would on the field,” sophomore soccer player Lacey Anagrande said.
The construction has left many student athletes having to adjust to new locations and decreased practice time. Not only does it take away from practice time, but it also disrupts the coaches during the season. Now, teams with good flowing routines have to adjust their schedules due to unfamiliar locations for practice.
“I’m a little confused about where we’re going to practice this year because the track is closed due to construction going on,”sophomore soccer player Lacey Anagrande said.
Some student athletes are finding ways to face this challenge, but some are frustrated because of the limited access to the field, especially seniors, as it’s their last year. Despite these challenges, the players are trying to maintain good energy and are learning to be more flexible.
“If I did a sport on the field it would be definitely harder for me to go to most practices because the times and places would change and since my parents work it’s harder for them to make time to pick me up,” sophomore Zoe Nogaki said.
In addition to sports practices being disrupted, the construction also affects school-wide events that normally take place on the field. Spring Fest, middle school Field Day and fire drills rely on the field for open space. This shift not only limits space for large crowds but also changes the atmosphere of events that are usually held outdoors. This makes it more difficult for the school to bring the community together.
“Some events that we had on the field had to be moved to different spots on campus because of the construction of the track,which makes it harder for everyone to come together like before,” sophomore Zoe Nogaki said.
The construction has also created challenges for school events like Open House. With fewer parking spaces available due to the work on the track, the Open House will be split into two sessions to fit in all the families.
The construction has really highlighted the importance of flexibility among staff, students and families. Everyone is working together to coordinate locations, practice times and transportation, while families are adjusting their schedules to pick up their child on time. Although the construction may be disruptive, it’s encouraging the school to find creative solutions during this difficult time.
In the long run, the track will ultimately benefit the track and field athletes. With scheduling challenges and communication between the community, Mid-Pacific still hopes that they can balance the needs of athletes while the construction continues.
