Track and Field students desire easy running

The hands-on approach of the athletic training program was one of two factors in making Fullerton College my school of choice.

The other was the reputation of the Hornet track and field team and it's tradition of hard work and success in competition.

Yet, despite the drive of FC's athletes, progress is difficult if not impossible because of the lack of properly maintained and adequate facilities.

Lack of a hammer facility is one of many adversities that track and field must endure. The track facility itself is the greatest adversary faced by athletes.

Despite this, FC continues to throw and run to the greatest of its abilities.

I have also witnessed the increase of injuries sustained by athletes on the field and on the track.

These injuries range from shin splints, turf toe and knee damage on the track to broken bones and ruptured ligaments of football players on the field.

Due to the poor conditions of this facility, we continue to endanger the well being of athletes as well as their futures in their respective sports.

As the college continues to grow we must grow with it, facing the temporary inconveniences supplied by growth.

These changes are necessary to provide safe and adequate facilities for student athletes.

Giving them the best arenas for nurturing their gifts.

Roger Carrillo Captain of Mens Track and Field History and Kinesiology Major

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The track was first constructed in 1982, resurfaced in 1990 and has since been left untouched.

For those who do not know, the manufacturer recommendation for maintenance requires that the track be resurfaced every eight to ten years to keep it in good shape.

Due to the lack of maintenance, the outside header has deteriorated, the lines on the track were disappearing and the track itself has lost vitality.

With the vitality of the track gone, athletic injuries have been on the rise. Our track has been poorly maintained; the bleachers were condemned in 2002 due to the fatigue of the hardware and the rotting of the wooden benches, not to mention the numerous splinters acquired through the years. Track athletes were not the only ones affected by the horrid conditions. Field event athletes and even football players were affected by the horrible conditions.

The condition of the field was poor in part to the irrigation system, which leads to many uneven and rocky surfaces that also lead to athletic injuries.

Lighting for this facility only covered a quarter of the field, which meant practices in the dark and greater possibility of injury. Despite these conditions Fullerton athletes have continued to strive for success.

As a result, coaching staffs have been forced to search the area for properly maintained facilities to conduct practices and competitions; including, but not limited to, track meets and football games. These funds can be reallocated if the facilities were properly maintained and functional.

In conclusion, the new facility will not only provide an adequate practice and competition arena, but also provides services for continuing success Fullerton College Athletic programs.

Malia Kaihewalu-Evans Captain of Ladies Track and Field Business Major