PPS Administration Acting Quickly to get PHS Throwers Back into Action

As bond funded construction projects sprang into action around Portland Public School campuses in recent days, miscommunication on one project put a temporary halt to the home throwing events for the PHS track team.

Just hours before their home meet with Lansing Catholic on Tuesday, April 16th, the discus throwers learned that the area they use to practice and compete during home throwing events was no longer intact. Excavation work being done as part of the practice football field reconstruction made the area impossible to use.

One student athlete told the Beacon, “There are thirteen throwers and four of them are seniors.” Unfortunately, these athletes were unable to compete in throwing events in the April 16th meet.

PHS Athletic Director Kevin Veale confirmed the disruption. He said, “It is true that we won't be throwing disc in the usual spot for the remainder of the season.” Veale went on to say, “We have an alternative all ready to go that should be ready by next week - hoping even for Monday. It is right here on our campus near the front of the building - a short walk from the stadium.”

Superintendent Will Heath said of the alternative site, “We have a temporary discus pit being poured Friday, weather permitting. It should be ready on Monday.” Heath said of the disruption, “It was not intentional. It was a communication breakdown and we are trying to make it right.”

As for the impact on athletic facilities around the district, Veale added, “things are going to be pretty crazy around here for the next year and a half, especially this summer, and we are doing our best to work around the construction and the construction around us. We will remain flexible and patient throughout the process and adjust accordingly as we have with discuss and we are keeping our eyes and our focus on all of the excellent improvements and upgrades that the district will be getting through this process.”

The next home track meet for the Raiders is Tuesday, April 30th, when they host the Eaton Rapids Greyhounds.