Work has been completed on the new all-weather high jump pad and the pole vault, triple and long jump runways at the Putnam County Stadium.  These field event areas are the first phase of the all-weather track project.

The field event areas started with a concrete base constructed this summer.  Fisher Track came last week to lay rubberized asphalt over the concrete and then sprayed a blue topcoat.  The all-weather surface will last several years without any required maintenance.  The cost of this phase was reduced considerably by using PC employees to complete the base construction.

Track athletes have been coping with substandard track facilities for a number of years.  It has been 8 years since Putnam County was able to practice and compete in the pole vault event.  Head track coach Jamie Tipton stated that the lack of pole vault competitors could have cost PC a district track title.  In the past, PC has been within 10 points of winning the district title without any competitors in the 18-point pole vault event.  At least 10 athletes have expressed interest in the pole vault event for the spring season.

The high jump pad and long jump and triple jump runways had deteriorated to the point of being unsafe to practice on during wet weather.  The high jump pad was enlarged and the triple and long jump areas were moved to east of the home bleachers. 

Funds continue to be raised to complete the project.  Donations have been received from various alumni and local supporters.  Currently PC athletes are selling Midget Cards for $10 each.  The cards feature discounts from local businesses and are valid through August 31, 2011.  All profits from the sale of the cards will go directly to the track fund.  Cards can be purchased from any athlete or by contacting the high school office at 947-3361 ext. 305. Any donations can be sent to the Superintendent’s Office at 803 South 20^th Street, Unionville, MO  63565.