The South Dakota state track and field championships is one of my favorite sporting events on the high school docket to cover.  I have to say, I'm not a track guy what-so-ever.  Never ran track (all though you could say playing soccer is sorta like running track) and have never gotten all caught up in the sport.  But covering the state meet is quite fun and enjoyable. While the first day can be quite a task (running all over the track trying to get your assigned track events along with the field events) it's not so bad. 

I must say though, without Greg Merrigan, the voice of the state track and field meets, makes it much more interesting for me.  Being that I know nothing about 99.9 % of the athletes involved, he makes my job easier.  He informs the crowd of various records, times, and what the athletes had for breakfast.  For me, I'd be lost without him. 

I also noticed the sportsmanship.  You won't find better sportsmanship in any sport out there than amongst track athletes.  I've never seen more kids congratulate a first place winner than at track meets. (seriously, you just got beat and you want to tell them good job...there's a reason why I never ran track)

Track & Field takes a back seat in most states, but having worked my fourth state meet this past week, I realized how passionate track fans in this region are.

So congrats to all the kids.  For one weekend, I can't get enough track and field.  Have a great holiday.