
The track and field facility at Lewis & Clark is one of the
premier facilities in the Northwest. The track is an
eight-lane red synthetic surface, installed in 1991. Other
facilities in the region may have similar surface material, but it
is the total facility and the attention to the amenities that make
the Eldon Fix Track at Lewis & Clark a superior venue.
The outstanding stadium records illustrate the quality of
performance obtainable at L&C’s facility.
The facility details that are important to the competitor focus on
the function of the individual events areas. For the track
racer, a vital concern is the speed on the track.
L&C’s urethane surface is both resilient and fast.
It is a prefect blend of a performance track (harder) and a
training track (softer). Another consideration of a great
track for a runner is whether the track is windy. Instead of
being located out in the middle of an open field, Griswold Stadium
is cut into the side of a hill and surrounded by tall evergreen
trees. It is protected from most of the windy conditions, and
runners appreciate not having to face a headwind as they race
around the oval.
In the field events, details at the L&C facility also give the
competitor every advantage to have a great performance.
Multiple runways for the jumpers allow the event to take advantage
of any wind condition that may arise. The shot, discus and
javelin throws are conducted on the oval infield, while the hammer
is thrown on an adjacent field. Both the jumping and throwing
event areas are entirely surfaced so the athletes do not need to
contend with any wet grass.
The facility was also designed with spectators in mind, since great
track meets involve the crowd in the performances. The
stadium grandstand seats 3,700 with one-third of those seats
covered. What makes the L&C stadium a true track stadium
is that the seating extends past the finish line, unlike football
grandstands that usually end at the twenty-yard line. Almost
800 spectators can sit between the 4x400 exchange zone and enjoy
the excitement of every track race finish.
Also important to athletes and spectators is how the competition is
conducted. An L&C track meet proceeds in an orderly
fashion because of the certified USA-TF officials that volunteer
their time and officiating skills to produce a great track
meet. An on-time meet is appreciated by all involved, as is a
meet that is officiated professionally by the rules.