Florida vs. USA: A Comparison of Five Major Track States

CONCLUSIONS

Considering that Florida is the fourth largest state in population, we should do more to offer our better athletes an opportunity to improve their performances. More strong competition, especially head to head. This year we graduated a weight man Johnson and distance runner Steier who certainly could have used stronger competition, particularly the weight man. A California sprinter, Allyson Felix from a small Baptist school, has been nationally prominent for years because she runs with the top sprinters from larger schools several times a year at nearby invitational meets and always in the state Masters Championship.

State meets should be 2 days with the 1st day being prelims and the 2nd day finals. This would be safer for the athletes and produce better performances. All size schools the same weekend, even if two venues are required. Then you would have time to feature a 2 day \"Meet of Champions\" or \"Masters\" held the following week combining the top 2 or 3 of each class as does California.

The 4 x 8 relay should be discontinued in State meets. There is no head to head final in Florida. It threatens the health of doubling and tripling athletes especially in summer heat and dilutes their performance in the 1600 and the 3200. Overextending athletes in hot weather can place meet directors and coaches morally and legally liable.

Finally we wish you would pass on this comparison to as many persons connected to Florida track and field as possible. Particularly the athletes. The big colleges and universities with strong athletic programs and track scholarships often in excess of $20,000 a year compare these performances as well. Overextending athletes for school championships can jeopardize a child\'s chance for a scholarship, just as it can risk their health.

Dave and Carol Grantges