Another year of Arkansas track and field is in the books! Allthough, I was a little late to the party, it was my first getting to meet Arkansas atheltes, coaches, and parents.
I want to take a minute to thank the athletes, coaches, officials, and parents for everything they do to make Arkansas high school track and field what it is.
Athletes, thank you for allowing me to stick a cellphone in their face even when you are struggling to catch your breath after a race.
Coaches, thank you for the work that you put in every year to help your athletes reach their potential. Thank you for seeing the big picture and using track and field as an avenue to help young people learn valuable life lessons like teamwork, goalsetting, overcoming adversity, and giving everything they have for a worthy cause.
I want to thank those coaches who have allowed me to visit with them in our coaches' conversations. After every interview, I come away impressed with the passion and commitment of the coaches in the Natural State.
The track and field officials we have in Arkansas are incredible, aren't they? I was reminded of this at the AAU District Qualifier when officials had to pause the meet to take care of an injured athlete in the 100 meters. Despite the sweltering conditions, officials took their time and made sure that the athlete was properly cared for.
That was just one meet. There are meet directors, finish line judges, and timers in every corner of Arkansas who bust their tail, and battle the conditions every week in order for track meets across the state to run smoothly.
Last, but not least, I want to thank the parents and relatives who raise the athletes in Arkansas. We are blessed with having some incredible young people in our sport. Sure, they are great athletes, but it's not just about being a great athlete. They are GREAT people and I know that most have learned those qualities from watching--and learning--from the people who have raised them.
I also want to thank the fans of our sport for the emails...even when they call me out on something I've written. Or something I haven't written. They are passionate about Arkansas high school track and field. I am too. I wasn't assigned this gig. I asked for it. And I want it be the best that it can be.
If you have any ideas on how I can make it better, please feel free to reach out to me at milesplitlaeditor@gmail.com
Next week, I will have some final thoughts on the 2026 Arkansas track and field season. Until then, thank you for your part is making the 2026 Arkansas high school track and field season one to remember.