An event this summer at Luther College is designed to help promote the sport of track and field. Luther’s track teams are hosting the Norse Track and Field Series which will conclude with a meet on campus July 25th. Men’s coach Jeff Wettach says while there are numerous opportunities for youth to take part in team sports, there are not as many in track and field, in part because of the weather. He says the track season is generally three months long, while on the west coast they have a six to nine month program to work on everything.Wettach says beyond just the competitive aspect, track and field can help athletes excel in other sports. He says they’re getting back to the roots in which athletes learn how to run properly. He says there’s a great carry over to other sports in knowing how to run properly.Wettach says he sees more and more high school athletes who excel in one sport, and also take part in track and field. He says he’s gotten good support from the football and basketball coaches for athletes that want to compete in both sports. Wettach says the meet will be divided into two categories: youth ages 12 and under, and adult 13 and older.
