On the Right Track to Win
Jul 01, 2021 12:00AM ● By By Patrick Larenas
Hurdles, obstacles and other track and field accessories are features that improved the stadium. Photo by Rick Sloan
RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – Over 1,300 athletes poured into Cordova High School’s recently revitalized Lancer Stadium for the 61st Annual Golden West Invitational Track Meet on the weekend of June 19-20. Some 3,000 individuals from nine western states attended what was one of the first large-scale sports events in the region, following the state’s reopening.
Dennis Lamantia, President of Rancho Cordova Track Club (RCTC), said, “Community leaders and members were especially happy with the opportunity to have their city’s improved stadium be the host of this year’s event.” The recent work was done to the track and field facilities with the City of Rancho Cordova providing $200,000 of funding, and Sac State University donating equipment in good condition worth approximately $60,000. Expressing gratitude, Lamantia said, “None of this would be possible without collaboration of the city, the school district, Rancho Cordova Athletic Association (RCAA) and many others.”
The monetary funds provided for the Cordova High School stadium were spent on track and field upgrades such as hurdles, obstacles, starting blocks and improvements made to the shot put, long jump, javelin and discus throwing arenas, while the hammer throwing cage came from the university.
Many of the enhancements done in the stadium, said Lamantia, were not just regularly needed improvements but conceived specifically to upgrade the facility’s track and field dimensions in preparation for bigger, professional-level events and media presence. He said, “Large scale events like this one will hopefully become common place in the near future.” Other events hosted by RCTC such as the PAUSATF Youth Champion drew about 2000 attendees and participants.
Lamantia noted that these large regional events are starting to positively affect the restart of Rancho Cordova’s Hotel and Tourism industry as thousands of attendees seek lodging and local amenities for their overnight stay in the All-America City.
The next RCTC event will be the Rancho Cordova All-America Mile just before the 4th of July Parade.
For more information visit rctrack.org
