Kyle Green

PhotoNight II

High school track and field remains an unspoiled sport. There are no sponsorships, no multibillion-dollar television contracts, no stadiums named after banks, no kids skipping college to go pro, and no brawls.These high school kids give everything they have — sometimes more than their bodies can reasonably take. Go to a track meet, and you will see young athletes stepping just past the finish line and collapsing — sometimes throwing up from pushing themselves just a little too far.Jackie Zillioux from Cave Spring High School runs the anchor leg for the girls’ 1,600-meter relay, a race known for its ability to expend athletes. She made it several yards past the finish before falling to the grass next to the track, her face a portrait of pain and exhaustion. “Good job. … Keep moving. … On your feet. … Work it out,” said a meet volunteer, and soon Jackie was back on her feet, into the waiting arms of her teammates. They greeted her with smiles bigger than you have ever seen on pro athletes who have finished in third place.These were kids participating for the love of the sport in an atmosphere of respect and mutual support.This is the essence of sport.
High school track and field remains an unspoiled sport. There are no sponsorships, no multibillion-dollar television contracts, no stadiums named after banks, no kids skipping college to go pro, and no brawls.
These high school kids give everything they have — sometimes more than their bodies can reasonably take. Go to a track meet, and you will see young athletes stepping just past the finish line and collapsing — sometimes throwing up from pushing themselves just a little too far.
Jackie Zillioux from Cave Spring High School runs the anchor leg for the girls’ 1,600-meter relay, a race known for its ability to expend athletes. She made it several yards past the finish before falling to the grass next to the track, her face a portrait of pain and exhaustion. “Good job. … Keep moving. … On your feet. … Work it out,” said a meet volunteer, and soon Jackie was back on her feet, into the waiting arms of her teammates. They greeted her with smiles bigger than you have ever seen on pro athletes who have finished in third place.
These were kids participating for the love of the sport in an atmosphere of respect and mutual support.
This is the essence of sport.