Every day, over 2,000 talented students, from athletes to academics, pass through Lexington High School, highlighting the school’s diverse potential. While all students deserve proper resources to reach their goals, athletes face significant safety issues in the current field house, which hampers their development and risks injury.
As a varsity track runner for more than two years, I’ve seen firsthand how the facility’s design threatens athlete safety, especially during winter practices when multiple sports: JV basketball, wrestling, and indoor track share the space. The existing indoor track is particularly dangerous. Its 146-meter loop causes injuries because of sharp turns and high-impact running, with sprinters experiencing forces of over 700 pounds on their shins and suffering stress fractures and shin splints. The track’s unsafe layout forces some athletes to train outside in freezing weather, which is impractical and unsafe. Balls rolling onto the track while athletes sprint create collision hazards, risking serious injuries. During sled workouts, I nearly injured my ankle due to a stray basketball. Limited to four lanes, the track cannot support the volume of activities happening simultaneously, leading to collisions and constant weaving. With only one start and finish line, athletes must dodge others mid-rep, causing accidents. During basketball games, parents standing on the track add further obstacles, increasing injury risks.
Such conditions are unsafe, unfair, and hinder competitive success. The track team consistently wins state and league titles, yet they lack a proper facility to train safely and effectively. The safety and success of our athletes, many of whom have future in sports or are inspired by the current team’s achievements, depend on better facilities. My younger siblings, interested in track, underscore the importance of safe training spaces for all students.
Building a new field house designed with athlete safety as a priority would reduce injuries and support athletic excellence. It would also foster pride and encouragement among students, coaches, and the community. Providing a modern, safe training environment is essential for enabling our talented students to thrive. A new fieldhouse will ensure athletes can train without danger, experience fairness in competition, and continue our school’s legacy of excellence. Investing in a safer field house is an investment in both the health of our athletes and the future of Lexington High’s athletic programs. It’s time to prioritize their safety and success, giving the students the resources they deserve to succeed and excel in their passions.