Norway High School on Friday afternoon will host its first varsity track meet in almost a decade.

The reconstruction of the track became possible after voters in November 2024 approved a $10 million referendum for maintenance, repairs and upgrades across the Norway-Vulcan Area Schools campus.

The track and field needs became clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, boys variety track coach Al Trudeau said. In 2020, he, along with girls coach Rae Anne Seat, former high school principal and athletic director Joe Tinti, building and grounds supervisor Chuck Pellegrini and an engineer met to discuss the track.

“After walking around the track and closely inspecting its condition, we deemed it unrepairable at that time,” Trudeau said. “The corner in front of the shed was especially bad — the last four lanes had a large dip, about six to eight inches deep, that ran about 15 feet long.”

Norway track team members warm up for practice on new track at the high school. From back are Josh Schiltz, Kenny Bradly, Jon Kalle, Eli Slade and Jackpine DeDecker. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

In addition, many sections of the track surface had either lifted or deteriorated.

Spring sports were canceled that year due to the outbreak precautions, and in 2021, the high school announced no meet would take place until improvements were made.

Trudeau said previous cancelations likely were due to weather. “We figured 2017 was the last time we hosted a home meet, so we’re almost 10 years later,” he said.

Construction on the new track was completed in September.

The upgrades included improved drainage and expanded areas for field events.

From left, Norway’s Alexis Downs, Anna deBidart, Coach Rae Anne Seat and Alyssa dela Cruz (hidden) watch Tori Trudeau and Jessa Rossler start a lap at practice on the new track at Norway High School. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

“They expanded the high jump and pole vault landing pad, which are 10 to 20 times larger than before — previously, the take-off area was very small,” Trudeau said.

He noted that these changes allow boys and girls to compete simultaneously.

“When they did it, they did it right,” Trudeau said. “A great example was the middle school meet with about 80 students jumping — it ran so much faster.”

The Knights Athletic Booster Club purchased the new high jump pits, which Trudeau described as “a great addition.”

The school has also ordered 15 new hurdles and plans to continue upgrading equipment.

Anthony Pineda jumps over the high bar as Norway High School teammate Noah Pearson watches. The pit area around the high jump was replaced when the track was reconstructed. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

Trudeau noted the current hurdles are from early 1990s. “Next year, we hope to upgrade the pole vault pits, which are probably from the late ’80s or early ’90s,” he added.

Next season, they plan to do another sponsorship for hurdles that will include the business or individual sponsor’s name stamped on the hurdle.

Eight area schools will take part in Friday’s meet, starting at 3:30 p.m.

“It’s exciting to be able to come back for a home meet,” Trudeau said.

“Another bonus of hosting a home meet allows grandparents, aunts, uncles, everyone to come out and enjoy watching the kids at a great venue,” he added. “You can’t get much better than that.”

They are seeking any community members who are interested in helping at Friday’s track meet.

For next year’s home meet, they plan to boost participation up to 10 to 12 teams.

“Last week’s middle school meet had 12 teams, which was a trial run,” he noted. “We had about 300 kids — it went great.”

Norway High School will host the 2027 conference meet in Norway.

The benefits of the new track extend beyond competitive athletics. Physical education teachers Carli Kelly and Janelle Lorde bring students from kindergarten through 12th grade to run.

The school encourages community members to come out during the evenings to utilize the track.

“It’s not just ours, it’s the communities. We wish more would take advantage of it,” Trudeau said. “It’s a level surface — a lot of people like that.”

They are also discussing keeping the stadium lights on a couple nights a week during the summer for evening exercise.

While the track and field upgrades were prioritized, the concrete work on the stadium was postponed. Trudeau believes the original concrete bleachers were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Repairs will be considered once the new heating system in the school is completed.

Going ahead, Trudeau will discuss plans with administration for the track to be resurfaced and repainted in about 10 years. “If we save $5,000 to $10,000 each year, when time comes we will have the $90,000 or at least a majority of it paid for,” he said. “You don’t go to too many schools anymore that don’t have a usable track. We need to keep this beautiful venue up to date.”

Mister Mom’s in downtown Norway will host a fundraiser for Norway Knights Track from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

A portion of the “BrewyLouie” sales will be donated to the track teams. Forms are available at the school, on Norway High School Co-ed Track Facebook page or from team members and coaches.

“We also will have order forms at Friday’s track meet,” Trudeau said.

Items available include nine varieties of brats, two flavors of breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, potato sausage, three flavors of beef sticks, Christmas sausage, cudighi, chorizo, cheese and meat ravioli and Grandma Vi’s sauce.

Gift bags or boxes can be added for an additional charge. Checks can be made to Mister Mom’s. Orders are due Saturday.

In addition, they will have raffle baskets and prize wheel paddles.

“Several area businesses donated a lot of great prizes this year,” he said. “A special thank you to Mister Mom’s for hosting the event for the track team.”

They will be serving pulled pork sandwiches and sides during the fundraiser.

“It should be a great time. We hope the community comes out to help support the all teams — elementary, middle and high school — and local businesses,” Trudeau said.

Anyone wishing to make monetary donations to Norway track program or volunteer can contact the school, or coaches Trudeau and Seat.

“All contributions and help are greatly appreciated,” Trudeau said.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.