It seems the news is often the same story with a different spin. Last week the editorial about the pathetic state of the high school track is the latest plea to have something done about this situation.

At a time when the feeling is “everyone wins,” why is it our track athletes are losing? I do not mean losing at meets either. I mean that as a less popular sport than football, soccer, baseball or lacrosse, these kids have totally lost in efforts to have a decent track constructed upon which they can practice and hold meets.

Considering that obesity rates in children have risen dramatically over the past few years, we should be encouraging and helping these kids, not ignoring them. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent by the schools and the Vashon Park District on fields for virtually every other sport.

Track and cross-country athletes can continue to run for the rest of their lives to help them stay fit and healthy. How many team sport players carry on with their sports for a lifetime? Had coaches Russ Brazil and Kevin Ross not encouraged our slightly overweight, not athletically inclined son to turn out for track and cross country over 12 years ago, he could very well be an overweight adult now. Instead he competes in marathons and triathlons, while running almost daily with or without companions.

A better track would be beneficial to the community as a whole, too. My physical therapist recommended walking at the track after knee surgery, and many other adults like to use the track when it is not a soggy mess. So let us be the progressively thinking community we like to think we are and support the building of a decent track for our kids.

— Scott Harvey