Youngsters on your marks!

Throngs of youngsters from preschool through sixth grade took part in a youth track meet at Iola's Riverside Park Saturday, a collaborative effort between the city and the Iola High School track and field team.

May 7, 2024 - 1:44 PM

Iola High track team members, from left, Alejandro Escalante, Melanie Palmer, Melody Norman and Mahala Burris assist at Saturday's youth track meet in Iola. Here, they cheer on a group of youngsters competing in a race. Photo by Richard Luken / Iola Register

A cool north wind did little to chill the fun Saturday at Iola’s Riverside Park as the City of Iola and USD 257 hosted a Youth Track Meet for youngsters from preschool through sixth grade.

The event was billed as an opportunity to increase interest in the sport for youngsters, thus enhancing their willingness to join the track teams once they reach middle and high school.

Jentry Mueller, from left, Michael Hall and Braydon Cathey start a 50-yard dash at a youth track meet in Iola Saturday. Photo by Richard Luken / Iola Register