New Steeplechase Pit Enhances Athlete Events

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Youth sports have always had a home in Rancho Cordova, and now, with support from the city’s Community Enhancement & Investment Fund, Cordova High School is one of only two high schools in Northern California to have a steeplechase pit at its track and field facilities.

A steeplechase pit includes a fixed barrier, like a hurdle, and a pit filled with water. The pit was completed in coordination with the city, Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD), Lloyd Sports and Engineering Consulting Group, LLC, Roebbelen Contracting, Inc., Curt Roth with Personal Record Sports West, Beynon, and Gill Athletics – just in time to unveil the pit at the 63^rd Annual Golden West Track & Field Invitational in June.

The pit complements a series of improvements that have been made at Lancer Stadium over the last two years, including starting blocks, hurdles, timing equipment and even a hammer throw cage.

“Our city is thrilled to be home to this one-of-a-kind track and field facility, which can now host a variety of premier events,” said Vice Mayor Dr. David Sander. “Youth sports bring a number of benefits to participating athletes – life lessons that they may not get without participating – Track and Field is unique in that it is possible for virtually any kid to participate and reap the benefits. So, while it is great that we can now host these special Track and Field events, it’s even more important that our local youth have access to them, and to the sport.”

Since the pit has been completed, one high school student athlete qualified for the 2023 Nike Outdoor Nationals, and three Rancho Cordova Track Club athletes qualified for the Junior Olympics in Eugene, Oregon.

“The addition of the Steeplechase to Lancer Stadium is a tremendous example of the partnership between FCUSD, the City of Rancho Cordova, our amazing community members and the collaborative and coordinated efforts of the FCUSD facilities team with the organizations in Rancho Cordova. Because of the Steeplechase, our students will have an opportunity and an advantage over others in the region to prepare for competition at the collegiate level,” said Peter Maroon, Director of Athletics for FCUSD.

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