Craig Daily Press

Craig — Snow and ice cover the track at Moffat County High School, but despite Mother Nature, the conditions aren’t going to slow the start of the MCHS track team.

The Bull­dog sprinters, long-distance runners and field athletes are competing today at Grand Jun­ction Central High School, a location that should be warmer than the winter weather in Craig.

Because the MCHS track and field team has had only one practice outdoors, boys coach Gary Tague said he’s looking forward to the event.

“We are actually going to get to jump in pits, throw in the rings and run on a track that we can see without snow on it,” Tague said.

The event is a relay meet, meaning there are no individual races or events. Each event will be a relay.

The 100-meter dash is replaced by the 400-meter relay. The shot put events are combined with the discus, and total distance is recorded for points instead of the typical points earned for each discipline.

Tague and girls coach Todd Trapp said today’s event won’t be pressure-packed with an emphasis on winning. It’s more about getting the youths warmed up to track and field before spring break — and the layoff that ensues.

“What we want to do is just create enthusiasm,” Tague said. “We want to show them it’s not just work hard, work hard, practice, practice and practice. We want to get them to a meet with some decent, warmer weather, and it really motivates the kids.”

Tague said there will be at least eight teams competing, but he’s not concerned with results.

“We just want them to get ignited about track and field,” he said. “We want to get ready to go.”

In Tague’s long tenure as coach, he said he’s used to being behind the warmer-climate teams at this stage of the season.

“We know the progression that we need to be making,” he said. “I’ve done this 30 years. We have excellent coaches. We know where the kids are going to be, right behind everybody else. That’s the story. The only people we aren’t behind is Steamboat.”

Junior Erin Urbanoski — the defending 4A girls long jump champion — is excited to finally get outdoors.

She has competed in indoor meets through the winter, as well as participating in the team’s indoor practices.

“This meet is most about getting a feel of being outside on the runway,” she said. “It gives me a chance to see where I’m at and where everybody else is at.”

John Vandelinder can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 211, or jvandelinder@craigdailypress.com