One more time around

Graduation is set for this weekend, a time for our seniors to reflect on memories made over the past 12 years and look forward at what’s to come.

But, before the caps and gowns are put on and those familiar notes of Pomp and Circumstance play, keep in mind there’s still some school activities to finish up — among them the track season.

Despite the gloom and doom brought on by the recent slides in the canyon and the forecast of weather which is more like late fall than middle of spring, the Track and Field State Championships are still slated for this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Casper.

This past season has been an incredible one for the Bobcats, with numerous personal records set even into the later meets, over 15 qualifying to attend the state meet and breaking a 31-year-old school record, with several athletes on the cusp of smashing even more.

And don’t discount the middle school students, who stuck with the program through adverse weather and school breaks throwing a couple curve balls into the schedule. Though their season has finished, it’s not the end for them as they have the opportunity to return next year at the middle or high school level.

Likewise, at the high school level many will see a return to the track next year and the team will be complemented with the incoming freshmen runners, jumpers and throwers. But for five seniors, this week marks their last official event competing for Thermopolis.

For those seniors, and for the team as a whole, you might consider braving the canyon to make the trip to cheer them on. Each day will see the Bobcats competing, with WCA Profiles in Courage awards and WIAAA awards scheduled for 12:45 p.m. Saturday, and team awards at 4:55 p.m. the same day.

If you can’t make the event, maybe take the time if you happen to see one of our young athletes, at graduation or otherwise, to give them a handshake, a pat on the back or simply a “congratulations” on the past season.

For those who are competing as Bobcats for the last time, best wishes on wherever the track of life takes you.