Tracking Along

Jefferson Academy’s anticipated new track, which was started during the summer and was thought to be completed by the beginning of the school year, is currently unfinished. Now there are major complications affecting events, fall sports, and overall student frustration. While the construction continues, students and staff can only wait for the track to be finished.

“I’m not too mad about the track not being done yet because track season hasn’t started yet, but I hope they get it done sometime soon,” expressed junior Peyton Sewell.

Due to the lower quality track that JA had previously, expectations are high to see the new and improved track. 

“I have mixed feelings,” shared senior Sam Evenson. “I’m happy for my friends who do all the running events in track, but I also feel like they're not doing anything for the throwers…. On the plans, they're supposed to level out the discus field, but they're currently using that as a dumping ground.”

The construction itself has brought some surprise to students who expected it to be done before school started; however, there was a group of students who had expected as much.

Freshman Ava Arnold stated, “I’m not really surprised about the track not being done because every other construction project people have done is never finished on time.”

The construction is currently in the final stage of the project, the track and grandstands, but at the moment, there is a delay in the completion of the track 

“The track is moving along, but in the past few weeks we have lost a lot of ground,” explained the overseer of the project, Mr. Bott. “The rock wall, new turf drainage, and preparation to repair the field have taken far longer than expected. We are now waiting for the proper glue and other items to be delivered. This, of course, has delayed our finish date.”

There are a lot of complications that go into construction, such as inspections and parts being built off-site which cause delays.

“Construction takes forever. A lot of it is people do stupid things or they won’t work certain days or things will be held up in other places. Construction is always a mess,” Evenson expressed.

Once the task is done, there will be plenty of opportunities and improvements that will open up for sports and events.

“I think [the track being done] will allow us to host track meets, and I feel like there will be a lot more interest in going to those events too,” said Freshman Cody Schaffer.

While things are looking exciting for the track season, the sports that use the field during the fall are having some trouble. 

“I think that it’s affecting soccer a lot,” commented Sewell. “Maybe if the field was done, they wouldn’t be affected, so they wouldn’t have to practice or play in other places.” 

While construction is occurring, we are not allowed in the back area or on the field, which has impacted students in various ways.

Arnold mentioned, “It’s annoying because I know a lot of people usually go out to the track sometimes, so they crowd the commons, and it's kind of annoying.”

The projected completion date for the track has almost passed, but of course, construction takes time, and all people can really do is wait. 

“Mid to late September was expected, and now they are not expecting the surfacing crew until mid-September. The surfacing will take three weeks,” explained Mr. Bott. “I will not venture a guess as to a completion date, but will instead continue to push for the field to serve our soccer men, and our gym classes.” 

The good news is that the track is in its final stage of construction, the actual track and grandstands!

“Progress has begun on the pillars for the Grandstands. Engineering and permitting were difficult and prolonged, but they were there,” expressed Mr. Bott. “They are forming steel for support pillars and preparing for concrete soon. The structure is manufactured off-site, and currently, we hope that it will be delivered in mid-October. It will then take 2-3 weeks to finish construction.”

As construction moves on, there is hope and anticipation for when it is finished.

Schaffer exclaimed, “I’m really excited to get a new track because we can host track meets now, and I feel like there will be a lot more interest added to events!”