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Tracksters show off their athletic talents

Pierce County Parks and Recreation's final track and field meet of the summer draws a gargantaun crowd

Shaun Scott

Finally, the sun shone brightly on the final day of Pierce County Parks and Recreation’s summer track and field program.

About 200 athletes attended the sixth and final summer track meet for individuals of all ages on July 21 at Sunset Chev Stadium in Sumner.

Pierce County Parks and Recreation supervisor Jennifer Spane was ecstatic the weather finally cooperated for the final summer track meet of 2010.

“The weather is perfect and that hasn’t always been the case this summer,” Spane said with a smile. “This is the best weather we’ve had all summer and we have a good crowd.”

The track meet featured a slew of competitors spanning a wide variety of ages.

“Our youngest athlete here is 2 years old and our oldest is 86 years old,” Spane said. “These track meets are for everybody. It gives the entire family a chance to come out and do something together that involves physical fitness. Moms, dads, grandparents and children all have the opportunity to compete.”

Tacoma resident Ruggles Larson certainly was one of the most seasoned athletes at the meet. The 76-year-old competed in the 100-meter dash, 50-meter dash and long jump. Despite heavy traffic volume from Tacoma to Sumner, Larson said there was no way he was going to miss the final track meet.

“It was backed up, bumper to bumper but there was no way I was going to turn around,” Larson said.

Clover Park High School alumnus Jaquan Price throughly enjoys attending summer track meets. Price was on the track team at Highline Community College after his high school days.

“This is something I do sporadically for fun,” Price said. “I love the high jump and want to see if I can clear 6 feet today. Track is a big hobby for me.”

Former Mount Tahoma track and field stalwart Nick Wells earned first place in the 50-meter dash. Wells, who is still in peak physical condition at 30, brought his 9-year-old daughter to compete in the track meet as well.

“I have to show her that Dad still has got it,” Wells said. “This is a great place for families to be. There are so many different age groups and generations here.”

Sumner 11-year-old Mason White was in attendance at the meet in order to hone his skills for nationals taking place in Hershey, Pa., on Aug. 7. White has clocked a blistering 1:02.69 in the 400-meter dash. White’s father said his son’s dream is to one day be an Olympian sprinter.

“I like to win. It’s a lot of fun to win when you race,” White said. “I like training and running as much as I can. It is what I want to do.”

Reach Sports Editor Shaun Scott at 253-841-2481 Ext. 316 or e-mail shaun.scott@puyallupherald.com.