With the threat of rain remaining in the area for the rest of the day and with better weather on the horizon, the Washington Relays have been postponed until Monday at 4:00. After being postponed yesterday due to the soggy weather, the Washington Relays were scheduled to get underway today at 4:00. Rain remains in the forecast throughout the day and into the evening. Things should clear off over the weekend however and no rain is expected on Monday with a high of 70 degress.
The outdoor track season kicks off today with the Washington Relays. Among the teams traveling to Case Field are Columbus Community, Keota, and Mid-Prairie along with several from all over the state.
“West Delaware is coming down from Manchester. Iowa City High, Cedar Rapids Prairie, Xavier, Burlington, they come from all parts.”
Demon head coach Steve Roth needs the weather to cooperate, although it’s a slightly different problem than Roth has dealt with in the past.
“Usually I battle snow and it’s 40 degrees so this is a little different than we’ve ever battled (for this meet). Somebody says it’s going to be 30% (chance of rain) after 3:00. I don’t know, I’ve watched (the weather) for at least five days. Last week it was supposed to be 69 degrees and sunny (today). It’s Iowa, wait for another day, it’ll change.”
Assuming the rain, and more importantly the lightning, stays away the meet will get underway today at 4:30. A lot of work goes in to getting the track and the field ready for the meet, but Roth says it’s something that his staff has been doing for years and they’ll be ready, rain or shine.
“I’ve got a great staff that really knows how to put things together. Some of us have been together for 30 years. There’s a lot of communication, a lot of pushing the kids along to get it going.”
Other than the local standouts like the Demons’ Jake Redlinger, Keota’s Casey Sieren, and Mid-Prairie’s Jaemin Powell, there will be top talent from all over the state on display.
“(Brandon) Moorman from Mount Pleasant is the state champion in the high hurdles; Fairfield has a state qualifier in the high hurdles too. Iowa City High will bring some kids along that will be very tough and Xavier usually has some tough kids, Burlington too.”
The Washington girls’ team has a meet today as well. They head to Columbus Community.
Don’t forget to tune in to the Coaches Corner Saturday morning starting at 9:00 on KCII Radio when we visit with several area track coaches.