As the calendar edges closer to Halloween the USD #298 Track Fundraising Committee moves nearer the December 31st fundraising deadline. The committee plans to host a concession stand fundraiser Monday, October 16th, at the Lincoln Junior High School volleyball tournament, with the volunteer effort launching the final phase of fundraising for the track rebuild project.
“The fundraising effort for the rebuild of the track at Mettner Field has gone splendidly for the majority of 2023, but recently the committee has hit a bit of a plateau,” committee chair John Baetz noted. “The day-long junior high volleyball tournament that will welcome eight teams into Lincoln on the 16th is a great place for the committee to begin the final push to reaching $500,000 by the end of the year.”
The track fundraising committee has used multiple fundraisers, contributions from the City of Lincoln and Lincoln County, major donations from individuals with strong ties to the school and community, and major business donations from Scoular Grain, the Bank of Tescott, and Citizens State Bank to reach the $370,000 mark. If the committee can raise $130,000 more by the end of 2023, USD #298 of-ficials can schedule Fisher Tracks of Boone, Iowa, to begin work on the complete rebuild of the track at the conclusion of the 2024 high school track season.
“There was a tremendous buzz about the renovation effort following a furious fundraising month in May that included the highly successful Track-A-Thon event, but a busy summer and the start of school have put the project on the back burner,” Baetz said. “The start of the fourth quarter of 2023 has left the committee anxious to bring the project home.”
Track committee members will prepare Sloppy Joe’s, Frito pies, and hot dogs. They invite all community members to come out and enjoy concessions and help fuel the final fundraising push while cheering on our junior high athletes. Other offerings will include chips, candy, and drinks, including water donated by The Bank of Tescott and Citizens State Bank and Trust Co.
If the committee reaches the goal of $500,000 by yearend it will see Fisher Tracks get on the schedule for next May, and, after demolition of the existing track, Fisher will begin construction of a completely new track from the base up. In the process, the new track will be the competition standard of 400 meters in length when completed, shortened in length from the original 440 yards.
“In addition to use for junior high and high school competition, the renovated track will continue to serve as a community use fitness surface and a tool for elementary school physical education and activities,” Baetz said. “Not only will it serve the community’s needs, but it will also continue as an economic development tool, driving visitors to the community from across the state, and the new surface will be able to serve as a host to league and regional competition.”
If you’re not able to make it out to the junior high volleyball tournament on October 16th, but would like to donate to the fundraising effort, you can donate online at https:// givebutter.com/tz4vyw.
