Volunteers at State Track Meet Critical to Success
By Traci Neely, Assistant Athletic Director | Friday, June 10, 2011 12:24 PM
Hutto High School students rake the sand pits before state competitors begin the long jump competition at the 2011 State Track and Field Meet.
Photo by Jeanne Acton
Hosting the State Track and Field Meet with 1,900 participants in 34 total events is no easy task, and the UIL could not accomplish such a task without the help of hundreds of volunteers.
Each year at the State Track Meet, more than 275 students and 30 coaches from 15 different schools across the state volunteer to help make the meet smooth and successful.
The students and coaches do everything from setting the starting blocks and hurdles for races to raking the sand for long and triple jumpers. They also escort the athletes to the track from the warm-up area, and they escort the winners to the medal stands.
“We can't place a monetary value on what the schools give us in terms of their service,” said Sheila Henderson, co-director of the State Meet. “We are thankful to have schools who are willing to give of themselves and their time to make our State Meet the best.”
Traci Neely, co-director of the State Meet said the volunteers build positive relationships with the student athletes over the two-day meet.
“The UIL’s goal is to create long-lasting, consistent relationships which encourage youth to define and achieve their own personal success,” Neely said. “That can be done through the up-close experience of the State Track Meet.”
The volunteers report over and over again that working the track meet is a positive experience for them.
“We are very grateful to partake in such an amazing event,” said Sheryl Hauglum, the girls’ athletic coordinator at Henry Middle School in Leander ISD. “The kids had an absolute blast and they were in awe with the level of talent and class of the athletes that we have in the state of Texas.”
Bill Daws, the athletic director for Clear Creek ISD, agreed and said the meet motivated his students.
“The athletes absolutely love it,” Daws said.
Many of his athletes did not have a lot of exposure to track and field events. Daws said the State Meet gives his athletes a new perspective. “They have fallen love with it,” he said.
Track coach Jamie Harber from Chisholm Trail Middle school in Round Rock ISD said the meet was an eye-opening experience for her girls because they got to see the exceptional talent. “They are looking forward to starting high school and working toward participating at the state level someday,” Harber said. “The UIL always runs every event so smoothly and as a coach I appreciate their efforts.”
As co-directors of the State Meet, both Neely and Henderson agree that the volunteers are vital to the success of the tournament.
“We both applaud the selflessness of the volunteers and thank them for all of their efforts,” Neely said.
Volunteer schools included:
Hutto HS/MS
Bandera ISD
Clear Creek ISD
Bedichek MS, Austin ISD
Lampasas MS, Lampasas ISD
Chisholm Trail MS, Round Rock ISD
Westlake HS, Eanes ISD
Rogers HS, Rogers ISD
Burnet MS, Austin ISD
Henry MS, Leander ISD
Del Valle HS, Del Valle ISD
Canyon Vista MS, Round Rock ISD
Anderson HS, Austin ISD
Dalhstrom MS, Austin ISD
Cedar Creek MS, Bastrop ISD