“You know that many runners enter a race and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. I don’t run without a goal. And I don’t box by beating my fists in the air. I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won’t lose out after telling the good news to others” (I Cor. 9:24–27, CEV).
Spring quarter 2014 marked the first season of track and field at Cascade Christian Academy (CCA) in Wenatchee, Wash. CCA is the first school in the Upper Columbia Conference to add track and field to its interscholastic sports program. CCA is one of the 10 schools that make up the North Central Washington 1B league. Besides CCA, there is only one other Christian school in the league. Having students mix with athletes from public schools has been a good way for them to show positive Christian attitudes and sportsmanship in a public setting.
The CCA Wolverines participated in five meets plus the district and regional competitions. Fourteen middle and high school students comprised the track team, and all participated in the district meet. Of the group, four qualified for the regional: Rhett Hill and Julie Hostland in the 1,600 meter race, Madeline Ringering in the long jump and triple jump, and Lacey Axelson in the long jump, triple jump and 100-meter dash.
Greg Ringering, CCA athletic director and physical education teacher, added track and field to CCA’s athletic program as an extracurricular spring activity to keep the students fit. Because track is not dependent on numbers, it was the perfect sports activity for a small school. Although track is considered a team sport, each participant works independently to improve his or her personal goals and records. Students are learning it isn’t all about winning an event; it is also about personal achievement and improvement. Training for track and field teaches students to care for their bodies through diet and exercise for good health and success.
Ringering also promoted track on the elementary level. Cascade Christian Academy’s elementary school hosted a track and field day on May 9 at Walla Walla Point Park. About 475 kids from six Christian schools in the Wenatchee Valley participated in the nine field events designed for them. The day was a great success and provided an opportunity for community among the valley’s Christian schools.
Training for track and field teaches students to care for their bodies through diet and exercise for good health and success.
Although track is considered a team sport, each participant works independently to improve his or her personal goals and records.
