The Good Spirit School Division's annual track meet on Wednesday, May 15 was a success in more ways than one. Not only did the weather corporate, but the young athletes put together outstanding showings.
"The weather was fantastic, but the efforts of the student athletes were even more fantastic," said event coordinator Mark Schendel.
Seven schools participated in the event: MC Knoll, Dr. Brass, Columbia, Yorkdale, Calder, Springside and Saltcoats.
Of the schools, there were approximately 400 Grade 6-8 athletes taking part in running, jumping, and throwing events.
To promote school spirit and physical activity, GSSD makes the track meet mandatory for the students.
"We are very proud that it is mandatory, it's a full day of Physical Education," said Schendel. "As part of the Good Spirit School Division, we are doing our very best to demonstrate that recent reports about obesity rates and inactivity amongst youth does not apply to the kids in our wonderful school division."
"The GSSD always likes to provide opportunities for their amazing students to showcase their talents and this is another perfect example of how this is accomplished."
Six new records were shattered at the track meet. Here is a look at the record breakers: Sarah Sutter, Springside - peewee girls high jump; Alexandria Flaman, Yorkdale - bantam girls 400m; Jennfier Haczkewicz, M. C. Knoll - bantam girls high jump; Emma Hoffert, Saltcoats - bantam girls long jump; Ryan Nussbaumer, Columbia - bantam boys high jump;
Devon Frounfelter, Yorkdale - midget boys 200m.
Here is a look at the total medal counts for each school: Yorkdale Central Royals - 13 gold, 11 silver, and 11 bronze for 35 medals; Saltcoats School - 13 gold, 9 silver, and 5 bronze for 27 medals; MC Knoll School - 8 gold, 9 silver, and 9 bronze for 26 medals; Columbia School - 7 gold, 8 silver, and 8 bronze for 23 medals; Springside School - 6 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze for 9 medals; MC Knoll School No. 2 - 5 gold, 5 silver, and 11 bronze for 21 medals; Dr. Brass - 1 silver and 2 bronze for 3 medals; 1 bronze for 1 medal.
This meet was a qualifier for the East Central Meet at the end of the month. Two teams are created, the YUM Team (Yorkton Urban Middle Years) and YRM Team (Yorkton Rural Middle Years). YUM is Dr. Brass, MC Knoll, and Columbia. YRM is the other four schools. Each team sends approximately 50 athletes to the meet based on the results of this GSSD meet.
"I would like to thank all the staff form each of the schools that operated the events," said Schendel. "Their tireless efforts were appreciated. Thanks to all the spectators that came out and supported the meet Thanks to Jason Payne and the YRHS boys' basketabll team for operating a canteen."
