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Writer's pictureMichael Bergmann

There is no finish line! We are just getting started!

The amazing journey of completing the Maupin Deschutes River Athletic Complex had everyone on the team pushing toward that finish line in May.


The first track meet in over 60 years with the athletes from 18 schools marvelling at the venue which produced 165 personal best times." The Infinity Track"


We had a crazy spring that weather and covid did not help on our timelines, however we finished painting the final lines on the track 3 days prior to the district meet.


The District Track Meet went off on time and ahead of schedule. We hope that this is the beginning of many more track and field meets for the region in the future.

In order to pull this event off we needed a little help from our friends in the track and field community. We finished the track and field but lacked the equipment to host a track meet. I reached out to several of my friends who are coaches at programs in the Portland area. Jesuit donated our high jump pads and standards as well as the pole vault standard. Sherman High School graciously let us borrow their Pole Vault pads and a balance of the hurdles.


We received over 60 hurdles from Scappoose High School along with 11 sets of starting blocks which allowed us to be equipment ready for the meet. Our friends from Beynon produced decals for the hurdles that were applied to show the pride of the Redsides Track and Field Program.


The Hurdles donated by Scappoose High School and Decals supplied by Beynon Sports are ready for action.

Our friends from Arlington High School came with their timing equipment that allowed us to time the meet that we built through the meet program the day before!


The District Meet was a success. There were 165 personal best times set on the "Infinity Track" and the times and marks registered allowed for better seed times as the athletes competed at the State Meet at Hayward Field.


Another personal best time set for an athlete competing at the district meet

A dream came true for Holly Miles and her teammates. The community came out and supported the athletes, meet management and the Maupin Market had it's biggest day of the year equalling sales similar to a Saturday during August during rafting season!


The past South Wasco County High School Track Team on the current 200 meter point at Carver Corner

Many of you might already know but as we were putting the final touches on the track we received a rural infrastructure grant for nearly $1,000,000 dollars that will allow us to put in the grandstands and lighting to make this a true sport and event destination. House Bill 5202 and thank you Kate Brown for including DRAC in this generous grant.


The Future is coming.....


The middle school athletes loved being out on the facility and a youth and family track program was started this summer.


Mark your calendars....


September 24th we will be holding a formal dedication of the track and bringing back many that helped make it happen. In the summer of 2020 The Oregon National Guard created the footprint for what we have today underneath the track. We will celebrate with the business and school community, the National Guard, the DRAC Team. Stay tuned for some special guests and a potentially record breaking attempt that you will not want to miss.


Craig Engels of the Union Athletics Club

Rumor has it that world class runner Craig Engels will attempt to break 4 minutes in the mile while wearing blue jeans! His team from Union Athletics Club will be on hand to pace and cheer him on. A team raft trip might be in order as they enter their off season.



Ride the Rapids Deschutes River will be returning for year 2 on October 8th. This will be an annual event that will be a fundraiser for the athletic and activities and equipment at South Wasco County High School (and Middle School and Youth Programs).




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