Before we accelerate toward the promised graph of track record holders — those not previously mentioned from both the yardage and metric eras — it is practical to cover a number of essential details before leaving the starting blocks.

First of all, these records will not only waltz across launch platforms of field events, but will cover baton passing events as well. Also, don’t be surprised if you see an omission, an addition and a duplication — one of these latter examples being an enduring carry-over.

All event omissions are a result of a metric era governmental regulation called Title 9, which requires equal time and funding for both girls and boys in co-ed track and field competition; careful scrutiny will make all omissions evident. For instance, take note that the boys 800 meter relay, normally the counterpart to the former 880 yard relay, it has been eliminated.

Duplications should be noticeable in the following graphs as we approach the finish line next week. These duplications appear as part of this track star series because all of the old yardage era records have been posted, for posterity, behind glass along the left wall of the new Forks High School front door entrance corridor. Therefore, this is the reason for some multiple event record listings in this account.

However, if a metric era (post-1980) field event mark is greater than one from the yardage era, that larger mark is the current school record. One of these marks is a carry-over though, having endured from the old to the new. To find this one, look for the name Curt Bagby.

An example of an addition occurred after 1980 when the 300 meter low hurtle event replaced the former 180 yard low hurtle race. Matt Zepeda currently holds this measured stride mark, set in 1981, with a time of 39.5 (his average speed=16.99 MPH). One more addition, this event totally unrelated to any during the metric era transition, was the triple jump.

I’m not sure when it was introduced to the Forks track program, though I know from personal experience that it didn’t exist prior to 1962. However it certainly was in place when Jim Blair set the current yardage era record for that event in 1974 with a distance of 40 feet 7 inches.

To be continued …

May light for your feet guide you on the path of life until we meet again.