By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — It’s a tradition unlike any other for the Firmly Founded track and field squad as Ruston High School will host the 32nd annual Hoss Garrett Relays, named in honor of the legendary Bearcat head football and head track and field coach.
Of the many things that make this historic meet great, Ruston High head coach Trey Smith said bringing the community and alumni together is near the top while watching top high school competition.
“March is definitely the time of year where we see a lot of people in the community think back on the fun times they had competing in track and field,” Smith said. “It’s a big time for alumni to gather and have talks of fun memories. We always make a real point to highlight the importance of the community, while knowing the kids are becoming foundational members of the community in the future. It’s a great experience.”
This year, 21 teams (listed below) will be coming to the Dave Anderson Track at Hoss Garrett Stadium with the field events beginning at 3:30 p.m.
“I really enjoy the experience of trying to get as many teams as I can get in here to race and have a spectacle for everyone in town to come see,” Smith said. “I love running meets — it’s a big deal for me. I get a kick out of having six, seven or eight heats going.”
Fans that want to attend will need to go to this link to purchase tickets: https://gofan.co/event/3361681?schoolId=LA19888. Admission with be $10.
The students will still be making the traditional walk to visit the gravesite of Coach Garrett, where upperclassmen get to talk about the importance and impact of being on the Ruston High track and field team.
“Coach Garrett did some many amazing things in those early years of Ruston High to put us back on the map with football and track,” Smith said. “We want to make a real point to ingrain some of (Coach Garrett’s) traditional values of being a hard worker and being supportive of those around you — you have don’t have to do something all on your own. The kids really benefit from it, and they find intrinsic motivation to do things, not only on the field but also the classroom.”
Team competing:
Benton
D’Arbonne Woods Charter School
Elysian Fields
Gibsland Coleman
Grant
Hamburg High School
Huntington
JS Clark Leadership Academy HS
Jonesboro-Hodge High School
Lakeside
Ouachita Parish High School
Southwood
St. Frederick High School
Tioga
Union Parish
West Monroe
West Ouachita
Westminster Christian Academy •
Winnfield Senior High School
Wossman
Click the link below for the full schedule of events.
