Track seating planned

Bleachers overlooking McCook High School's track and practice football field would improve the comfort level of spectators, and would also make McCook eligible to host activities sponsored by the Nebraska Schools Activities Association.

McCook school board president Greg Larson told fellow board members Monday that materials and funds have been donated to a project that will install seating for 900 on the east side of the "track bowl" west of the senior and junior high buildings.

The bleachers will reach from one 25-yard line to the other.

Larson said he hopes the project will be completed this fall, definitely in time for MHS's 2005 track season.

Superintendent Dr. Don Marchant said the bleachers will improve the comfort of spectators, improve McCook's chances of hosting NSAA track meets and provide an opportunity to offer the track to area schools for their track meets.

Board member Ron Soden said the NSAA has not allowed McCook to host district track meets in the past because of the lack of spectator seating.

Iron framing valued at $20,000 has been donated by Rob Stecker of Starship Enterprises, McCook, and Valmont Industries of McCook has donated $3,000 in galvanizing for the framework.

Cash donations include: AmFirst Bank of McCook, $7,500; Bison Boosters, $5,000; MacAttack, $2,250.

Larson said Work Ethic Camp offenders will donate labor to the project.