Inaugural Redondo Nike Track Festival to be held Saturday
Redondo Union High School is making the most of its new facilities as the school’s track and field program as attracted Nike to sponsor the first-ever Redondo Nike Track Festival to be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
More than 20 schools will compete in the event that will feature a live DJ, booths and a free gait analysis by Roadrunner Sports. In addition, RunnerSpace will video-cast all races and athlete interviews from the meet and a free autograph session will be held with two-time track and field world champion Kerron Clement from 4-6 p.m.
Bob Bacon, a three-time title holder on Redondo's 1946 state championship track team will be on hand Saturday for the dedication of the "Bob Bacon Hurdles." Photo
Nike will be offering a sneak peek at upcoming products and they will also be providing heat pressed logos and designs on all souvenir merchandise purchased at the meet. For the athletes, there will be a Nike Photo Booth to take photos that will upload to the meet website and Facebook. The top finishers will receive custom medals and all winners will receive Redondo Nike Track Festival Champions Backpacks.
“It is our goal that the Redondo Nike Track Festival becomes one of the premier early meets on the West Coast to include top teams from Oregon, Arizona, Nevada and California,” Redondo coach Bob Leetch said.
University of Washington freshman Chloe Curtis returns to Sea Hawk Bowl where the 1,600 meter race in the Redondo Nike Track Festival will be named in her honor. Photo
According to the ESPN RISE website, the meet will aim to identify the best dual meet teams in the region. ESPN RISE/DyeStatCal will begin carrying dual meet team rankings this season as well. The team champions at this year’s meet and the top 10 ranked preseason teams next year will be granted free entry into the 2012 Redondo Nike Festival.
Events include distance/sprint, hurdles, all jumping events, throws and pole vault.
The festival will include high-caliber teams such as Chino Hills, Lakewood, Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks, Paramount, Schurr, South Hills and Thousand Oaks who will compete local teams from El Segundo, Inglewood, North Torrance, South Torrance, Torrance, West Torrance and host Redondo.
Two of Redondo’s greatest athletes, state track champions Chloe Curtis (2010) and Bob Bacon (1946), will be in attendance for the dedication of the “Chloe Curtis 1,600” and the “Bob Bacon Hurdles.” ER