Track and field facilities in Pocatello getting major upgrades

POCATELLO — The track and field at Highland High School will be getting a major facelift now that Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 has announced a $4 million renovation project for the facility and two other schools.

“Track and field doesn’t seem to always get a lot of money so it’s awesome we are getting this new facility to help up with our track and field program,” Highland junior Kade Vurch said.

The renovation project, which won’t cost tax payers a dime, will improve the track and field facilities at Highland and Century high schools and Hawthorne Middle School. Highland’s outdoor facility will get the most work as lighting, new seating, and a brand new track will be added.

“With the stadium there already and next to the golf course it can be made into an amazing facility for the track and field athletes,” Highland Athletic Director Travis Bell said.

The track at Highland is nearly 50-years-old and is starting to show it’s age with cracks, dips and bumps, officials say. The seating is also beginning to crumble and crack.

“Every year we are trying to patch and fix,” Bell said. “The track community and the track kids need that. It’s going to be a big benefit for our community because that track gets used a lot by community members as well. ”

Once the track is completed at Highland phase two and three will begin at Hawthorne and Century. The track and field facility at Highland will be able to host night games and it will be the host for all track and field events in Pocatello.

“You always go to other tracks and you’re like ‘oh this track is so nice,’” local Anna Sanford said. “I wish we had a track like this.’ I’m excited to have that for our own and it really changes the meet atmosphere.”

District 25 officials say Highland will be able to host night events. However, varsity football will still be played at Holt Arena but they expect freshman and JV games to be played at night.