February Frost Gets the “COLD SHOULDER”

     It has been a very strange and bizarre weather pattern that has passed our way for the winter of 2011 – 2012 with record setting snowfalls (or lack thereof).  I remember my youngest son saying to me back in November, that he could sense this was going to be a very cold and snowy winter.  NOT!  Due to a recent strain of my back during a workout at the gym, I am most grateful that he has been quite wrong, and that he will not likely be consulted by the Farmer’s Almanac anytime too soon.

     Nonetheless, it has been a much different case when it comes to planning for the Empire State Winter Express Track & Field Series.  A slight miscalculation, and a subsequent miscommunication between the University and the Empire State Sports Council caused the cancellation of the Christmas Rush due to the winter graduation schedule.  Then the bump from the use of the Bubble by the Tennis team caused the January Thaw to be moved to February 25^th, and thus named the February Frost.  With the assurance that everything was set for that date, another local organization noticed the date being posted on our website and proceeded to undermine our event and somehow manage to secure the very same date.  It is still unclear to us how this happened, but life is filled with many learning experiences, and so we shall be prepared in the future for such maneuvering, and be sure to stop it before it starts.  However, for 2012, the February Frost got the proverbial “Cold Shoulder”!

     The Good News is that we are scheduled, cleared, and approved to host the Winter Express Indoor Track & Field Championship meet on Saturday, March 24^th, and the meet will begin at 1:00 pm.  In addition, the 2^nd Annual Spring Vault Classic spearheaded by Star Vault Coach Don Paretta, will take place on Friday evening March 23^rd, and Saturday morning, March 24^th.  The Rising Stars Track & Field Clinic will take place on Saturday morning, March 24^th from 9:00 – 12:00.  The clinic will feature area Coaches and University Athletes providing proper instruction and insight into a variety of Track & Field events such as Hurdles, Sprints, High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put, and Javelin.  The fee for the clinic is $15, but if you Register early for the Winter Express Championships, you can attend the clinic for half price.  With the Outdoor Track & Field season just around the corner, this will be the ideal opportunity to pick up some of the most important aspects of your choice of two (2) events.  The Registration Form will be available online beginning February 15^th, so be sure to come back then to get registered, as Early Registration will close on March 15^th!