Cordova’s only spring sport is thriving at the start of its second season, with more than double the participation this year compared to last.
Track and field, which began last month, has drawn more than 30 of Cordova’s middle and high school-aged athletes out this season. That’s up from the 12-15 kids who consistently came to practices last year.
Coach Lance Westing says the track and field program fills a need in the community, giving kids not only a physical outlet but also a social outlet throughout the spring. Westing – who also coaches cross country in the fall – said the kids want to spend time together, get outdoors, and have an opportunity to travel.
“We’re trying to create well-rounded people in our district,” he said, noting that both athletics and academics play a roll.
“There’s something for everybody in track,” Westing added.
At one point Cordova used to offer softball and baseball in the spring, but low turnout caused those sports to fizzle. (There is still, however, a nonprofit Little League baseball program that serves 120+ players every summer.)
Westing – who ran track in middle school through college – said Cordova kids had been interested in track and field in smaller numbers in the past, but the program didn’t really take off until last year.
Cordova sports struggle with a lot of the same things other districts do – such as participation, funding, and travel issues, Westing said. But this team is especially resourceful, since the kids don’t even have a track to practice or host home meets on.
Even still, Westing says the kids are eager to top their personal bests in sprinting and jumping events without the proper facilities. They practice on the city’s roads, at the Grassy Field, and on the stairs that run up the hill next to the Cordova Center.
“We have (an) incredible positive atmosphere in our district,” Westing said. “It’s motivating as their coach to see them try so hard.”
The Cordova track and field team hopes to travel to Valdez for their fist meet of the season on April 17, pending travel arrangements. Later this season the team also hopes to compete at two more meets in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, including the state tournament at Susitna Valley High School.
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