I think in order to find a long term solution; track and field needs to be built upon a solid foundation. This foundation will come from getting children actively involved with running and competing at a young age. I started running track in 7th grade because a friend said I should join the team. But, I had no clue we also had a cross country team. Hell, I didn’t even know what CC was until sophomore year of HS. Baseball, football, and soccer are huge because we are taught as children to love the sport. People tell us these sports are important and we buy into them. The same must be done with running. So bring running back to its’ purest form. Running is about having fun and competing. I think we try to focus on the competition part too early. Let the kids enjoy themselves and the willingness to compete will come. Promote youth track and fun runs within the community. I’m not saying the other ideas are not good. Agreed there must be things done in the here and now, but we also must look to the future of the sport and try to ensure its’ longevity.
