Cumberland County kept its streak alive of having one track and field participant compete in the State Tournament annually since the 2012 season
The Jets finished second in the recent sub-sectional tournament. The Jets will send two participants to state this year. Cumberland County Head Coach Stuart Bowen said every event gives students a chance.
“I think track gives a lot of opportunity to a lot of different kids,” Bowen said. “It’s an individual sport but it’s also a team sport and there’s these little nuanced, niche areas of it that really give kids chances to try and see what they’re good at.”
Cumberland County is also seeing improvements on the physical track. Bowen said Cumberland County is looking to grow the discus area after this season. Despite the recent changes, Bowen said the biggest thing Cumberland County needs is beyond physical improvement.
“The biggest thing we need is just honestly more involvement from the community, people wanting to come and help more so we can continue to grow that,” Bowen said. “Because once people step away, it’s hard to sometimes replace people who have been doing this for a really, really long time.”
Bowen said the community resource is just as valuable as anything else Cumberland County has to offer.
“What I am looking at trying to expand upon is finding just more people who are more connected to track and field and who love it to help grow the kids,” Bowen said.
Cumberland County High School became one of four schools to host a meet in the Upper Cumberland this school year. The Jets improved the number of lane tracks to six, which possibly could expand to eight. They also recently added pole vault and high jump pits. Bowen said the school is looking into redoing the surface again as well.
Stuart Bowen has coached the Cumberland County Jets track and field teams since 2012.
