Monique Parra
Staff Writer
San Dimas welcomed parents and students to San Dimas High School for the 43rd Annual City Olympics Track and Field Meet last Saturday, April 20.
Track athletes from Allen Avenue Elementary, Ekstrand Elementary, Shull Elementary, Gladstone Elementary, Lone Hill Elementary, Holy Name of Mary and home-schooled children were invited to participate.
Physical education teachers nominated children they believed were the top competitors in their school.
“I want my son to live the experience of a track meet and know what it’s like to be out there,” Gloria Emcinas, San Dimas resident said.
Emcinas’s son ran the 400 meter for his first year participating in the event.
In previous years, Bonita High School hosted the event on its track and football stadium.
This year marked the first year San Dimas High School hosted the event on its brand new track and football stadium.
“I think the stadium was a waste of money,” Karen Dieterich, San Dimas resident said. “It’s beautiful, but the money could have been spent somewhere else.”
Though some people were hesitant on the amount spent on the track and football stadium, others were pleased with the facility and were thrilled that the children were able to use it.
“I just love the stadium, it’s absolutely awesome,” Joan Ekstrand, La Verne resident, said.
Ekstrand came as a fan cheering on her second and third grade combination class students who were participating in all the track events.
The day began at 9 a.m. with the 400 meter relay. Relays, runs and softball throw were among the activities students were able to qualify for.
Each participant wore their school color jersey to represent his or her school. Schools were sectioned off on the stadiums bleachers to cheer on their athletes.
Louis Loya, a retired football coach from Bonita High School and La Verne resident, has been training with his stepdaughter the past week to get her ready for her 400.
“I love training with my step dad and being out here, it’s great,” Jolie Buorgas, fifth grade student said.
Many students participated in more than one event, like San Dimas resident, Theresa Caceres’ fourth grade daughter.
“She is participating in the 800 meter and the softball throw,” Caceres said. “I want her to be interested and to not be afraid to take part in middle school experiences as she gets older.”
First and second place winners of each relay category will represent the city of San Dimas in the San Gabriel Valley Championships later on this year.
For the list of winners visit cityofsandimas.com.
Monique Parra can be reached at monique.parra@laverne.edu.
