This Saturday, Greeley West will host a meet with 25 other teams in attendance from across the region. They have the exciting opportunity to showcase their talents, hard work and dedication on a collegiate track at the Univeristy of Northern Colorado, which marks a significant milestone in their athletic careers. This event will have the opportunity to allow the athletes to compete in a setting that may have the same feeling state will have and to have that collegiate experience that some athletes may be looking for. The event will kickoff with the Sirens choir singing the National Anthem.
Head coach Cody Billings has been working at this venue to host an event for a few years now. “I chose UNC as a venue for multiple reasons. It’s a legitimate D1 facility that is 2 miles away from our school. Many high school athletes will not get the chance to run in college or don’t have the desire to run after they graduate,” he said.
Many student-athletes see this event as more than just a meet. It is a chance for the athletes to push themselves against top tier competition.
This venue is also an opportunity for the Spartans to host their first meet of the season at a place other than District 6 stadium. “Although we share District 6, it stills feels like Northridge’s track, so getting to compete at UNC is like competing on an unmarked territory,” senior captain Kaitlyn Fenton said. The meet will be a recognition day for seniors which will bring a different type of appreciation for parents to see things differently at a meet the Spartans host.
Saturday will give the opportunity for athletes to feel what it would be like to be in a college setting. “I want to be able to run collegiately whether that’s at UNC or another school, I think getting to feel that environment would be good to prepare for,” Fenton said.
Saturday promises to be a memorable day filled with excitement for both athletes and families. “I hope our kids are able to have fun, make good memories, and be proud of how they perform,” said Billings.
