What was the reason for combining the USD 360 & and USD 509 track teams? The decision to combine the track teams to form a South Sumner Outlaw track program was made for multiple reasons. For USD 509, the combining of track gives our student-athletes access to an updated track, which is similar to what they will compete on in meets. Additionally, we are able to increase the number of coaches who will work with our students and utilize both communities to find coaches as vacancies arise. With the potential increase in participation by combining both communities, our coaches will have the potential to utilize those numbers to field more relay teams and any other events that we may not have been able to field before. Being able to combine baseball, softball, and track also creates the potential to efficiently allow for athletes to participate in both track & baseball or track & softball if they choose.
Will junior high athletes lose out on the ability to participate in events? No, this possibility has been at the center of our focus as we have discussed the possibility of combining track teams. To ensure that students have opportunities to participate, both district administrative teams are working together to prepare solutions to handle increased numbers, specifically at the junior high level. A participation survey is being sent out to students to give us more information to work with as we find solutions to prevent missed participation opportunities.
Will USD 509 be represented on the South Sumner track coaching staff? Yes, USD 509 will retain all of the coaching staff that had planned on coming back for the 2025 track season.
Are the practices going to be in Caldwell at USD 360 facilities? Yes, both junior and senior high track teams (boys and girls) will practice at the USD 360 Track.
Will the South Sumner team split for junior and high school post season meets? The junior high South Sumner track athletes will continue to participate together for the entire season and will not split. The high school program will split for student-athletes to compete in post season per KSHSAA rules.
