A Day with a Head Starter for Track and Field
A day with a head starter for track and field featuring Shane, my husband! He didn’t like that I am writing about him but hey! I told him it would be nice for people to read about the ‘outsider’ point of view on this track and field sports that he loves very much. I have been to several races when he was the head starter for the track events. Before I met him, I thought all he did was fire the gun and off goes the race. 😛 A starter’s role is more than that – Shane usually has one or two starters as a team. Their roles are crucial for setting the race course, ensuring track rules including enforcing starting procedures, false starts, and disqualifications. Shane’s roles is to manage his team, ensuring each race runs smoothly and efficiently. Starters work closely with the timer crew, and other officials.
Before the Events
University of Idaho is one of Shane’s alma maters. He was on a full scholarship for track to study business management many years ago. Running the track and field events there is his way of honoring the university. Shane always has his starter pistols, cartridges, and all other equipment he needs in a sports bag days before the events. We drove to Moscow, Idaho where the university is located. We checked into the Fairfield Inn and Suites because Shane will be at the meet for two days. I got a little tour of the University, Shane showed me his dorm and the places he went before we proceeded to the Lauren McCluskey Track inside the Kibbie Dome. He met with the head coach and afterwards walked around the track to check everything was installed properly and safely.
Post Race
Shane likes to be on the track course very early. Post race tasks after he has completed his to-do list included helping whatever needed to be done. I took a photo while he was preparing to rake the long jump pit.
He had a briefing with his starters crew when they arrived. Most of the starters that Shane has worked with were former athletics themselves or coaches. They religiously dedicate themselves to serving in the track and field sports. Some are in their 80s.
Sweetest Surprise
While everyone was busy preparing for the multiple track and field events, Shane gave me the sweetest surprise! He had made arrangement with one of the University of Idaho’s sports officials to present me their Vandals jersey! This was so exciting because it was a great souvenir for my first visit here to Shane’s old uni. I wore it with pride right away and put on my ‘official’ badge so I can walk around the inside field.
Photos of the Events
I must admit, I wasn’t a fan of track and field unless it was watching them live on television during the Olympics. This was the first time that I get to experience the indoor events right on the field. Wow! What a different perspective this was! I was careful not to interfere with the officials and athletes. I could feel the nervous energies from some and all of them have my highest respect for pushing themselves to the limit.
