There's more than one way in which the Pomona track and field program is a champion.
They are, of course, the defending 5A Boys state champions. But, they may have just found a way to be champions in the hearts of small schools all around the state.
Pomona track and field coach Jeff Donnel noticed a gap in the scheduling at Jeffco Stadium. Amazingly, what is perhaps the busiest athletic venue in the entire state had an open date on its schedule--May 6.
Donnel dared to ask the "What if..." question. As in what if there was a meet specifically for 3A and under programs to get their athletes some exposure to the state meet venue without the domination of 4A and 5A programs most meets during the season come with?
It looks as if we're about to find out "What if..."
Donnel has received approval from CHSAA to host exactly such a meet. The meet will be called the Small School Last Chance Invitational. It will be held at Jeffco Stadium on Saturday, May 6. Admittedly, that's the same day some small schools have league meets. But, owing to the shortage of available dates at Jeffco Stadium, the date is what it is.
So, small school programs, the offer is on the table. Even the entry fee is prime time--$150 per school or $10 per athlete. If you would like to get your team, or a portion thereof, into the meet, now is a very good time to contact Jeff Donnel.
If the meet doesn't fill with just small-school programs, there's a chance that Donnel will allow individual entries from larger schools as well.
For more information, please contact Jeff Donnel at jdonnel@jeffco.k12.co.us.
Opportunities like this don't come around at every turn.