Lillstrung

Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium last spring.

Per the Ohio High School Athletic Association, we’re heading back there for 2023 on June 2 and 3, as well we should.

Having been cynical for as long as I can remember, though, there is a part of me that doesn’t see entirely blue skies across the horizon, even as another trip to The ‘O’ awaits.

To be clear: The state track and field meet should never not be at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, unless there is a seismic need for change … such as, of course, a society-altering pandemic.

As long as we’re going to Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium to compete at the end of the season, then there is no problem … so we hope.

Especially amid a time during which so many of the OHSAA state tournament venues are locked into longterm contracts, it does seem striking the last two state track and field meets coming out of the pandemic were not.

In announcing the 2022 return to the ‘O,’ the OHSAA stated it was on a one-year deal with Ohio State.

It has not been publicly announced to date if the 2023 edition is on a one-year contract as well.

Whatever the reason — the university, the OHSAA or both preferring that arrangement for now — it’s difficult not to notice. And it’s difficult, as a cynic, to hope that doesn’t have long-term significance.

In 2021, the state track and field meet was held across divisions at three Columbus-area schools because they had to be. Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium was not an option. After a canceled season that robbed student-athletes and the athletic community of so much, we were fortunate to have an option at all.

It was far from ideal, but at least it was a state meet. There were rumblings about logistics and, without throwing the venue under the proverbial bus, at least with one of the three, facility quality was a concern.

The reimagined format opened up the state meet to be administered by more officials.

After my horrific experience with one official while the Mentor girls 4×800-meter relay was capturing the 2021 Division I state title, threatening to have me escorted out by security for reasons to this day passing understanding — along with those aforementioned facility quality concerns being deemed acceptable — forgive me for the belief it might not have been the best and brightest being assigned.

What it also did, even though it was necessary, was act as a test run of sorts for high school track and field in Ohio and for the OHSAA. It wasn’t meant to be a test, but it was nonetheless.

In a day and age in which finances are tight for all of us, was there a case to be made not having state track and field not at Ohio State and run a little more under OHSAA and its member schools’ auspices and control was a way forward?

Could it be cheaper? Could it sell more tickets, going to three venues instead of one?

Would it lessen the state experience for the studentathlete in a discernible manner? Would it matter if it did, but minimally?

Thinking of the bottom line, could it be more profitable?

It is no secret the state track and field meet — and most state tournaments in Ohio, for that matter — do not print money. In fact, unfortunately, due to several variables, some sports take a bath in that regard.

Admittedly, I spend a lot of time in this space throughout a given school year being critical of the OHSAA. Granted, that pattern continues here.

But on this point, credit where credit is due: Knowing the governing body will take a bath or slightly better, but still going to certain venues in order to yield optimal experience for all studentathletes anyway, is laudable.

When it comes to high school sports, yes the financials have to be taken into account.

But there is also a statewide civic responsibility to an extent to give high school student-athletes the best avenues to compete and the best platforms to forge those lifelong memories.

When it comes to track and field, even if the sport breaks even or close to it, there is nothing like that trip to Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.

Knowing the history and those who preceded on the track and in those fieldevent areas. Seeing the look of wonder and pride on student-athletes on Friday morning when they take their moment for a picture next to the Owens statue outside the southwest corner of the stadium.

Thinking about all those schools and programs — urban and rural, big and small, from all walks of life and varying circumstances — taking that ride to the heart of Ohio for their shot against their contemporaries, the best of the best at their craft. That carries weight. There, within reason, should not be a price tag too big for student-athletes to garner that experience.

So here’s to hoping Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium will remain the home of state high school track and field — for as long as it stands, and as long as it’s one of the preeminent venues for the sport in this part of the country.

Here’s to hoping the alternatives never seem better than heading there to crown state champions.

Here’s to hoping reasons — whatever they are or could be — never hinder the ability to deliver that experience.

Because high school track and field in Ohio deserves that much and more.