Olive Peirce Middle School Track Meet Offers Something for Everyone
by Jim Evans

Connie Hunsacker at the starting line for the 100 meter.

"Physical education is just as important as academic education in our schools."

— Tony Newman, Assistant Principal, Olive Peirce Middle School, Ramona

In a nation where more than 60 percent of the population is overweight or obese and where only 25 percent of all schools across the country now even offer physical education, the annual track and field meet at Olive Peirce Middle School encourages students to appreciate the value of sports and physical activity in their lives.

Students in Ramona participate in physical education three times a week — far above the national average — and the annual track meet is the culmination of almost eight weeks of physical education training and instruction in basic track and field events, such as the hurdles, discus, long jump, triple jump, 100-meter dash and the 400-meter relay.

Tony Newman watches as possible future Olympians compete in the high jump, just one of the many events seventh and eighth graders participated in.

Classes follow a rotating block schedule, which means they rotate in groups each day from instruction in one event to another. When the coursework is completed, students are invited to participate in the meet to showcase what they have learned.

Certain events are limited to students who qualify among the top three in those particular events during their specialized physical education instruction, but other events are open to all students, regardless of ability level.

"The overall participation is remarkable," said Assistant Principal Tony Newman, who helped organize the event. "Although participation is optional, almost 800 of our 1,100 students competed this year, and even those who chose not to participate were in the stands cheering."

The track meet has a long tradition.

"It goes back at least as long as I can remember," Newman said. "It was already well-established when I graduated in 1984.

"It is really one of our best school days of the entire year because everyone has such a great time, and we try hard to make it fun for the students without so much emphasis on winning and losing."

Event winners are recognized in an awards ceremony after lunch, but "all of the participants are acknowledged," Newman added, "so no one is left out."

Newman, the former Ramona High School basketball coach, said he is grateful to all of the teachers who dedicated their time and effort to the event.

"It is so inspiring to see so many of our teachers pitching in to help," he said. "It really helps our school culture too, and I’m proud to be a part of such a terrific program."

Does Newman miss coaching basketball?

"Only when the team wins," he said with a laugh.