"Due to problems with the track at Northwestern High School, the 35th running of the Trojan Relays has been moved to District 3 South Stadium, which is located at South Pointe High School in Rock Hill," Northwestern coach Calvin Hudgins said in an e-mail.
The event date, scheduled for March 21, has not changed and is a week prior to Coaches Classic.
"Northwestern is still able to practice on the track but the district doesn't want us to host any home meets for this season," Hudgins said. "Rock Hill High's track is even in worse condition, they didn't host any home meets last year and this year they are having to go to a old middle school to practice. The plan is to tear out the current facility at both Rock Hill and Northwestern and put in new ones pending board approval. The plan is for both facilities to be ready for next year."
Coaches Classic, hosted as a fundraiser by the South Carolina Track and Cross Country Coaches Association, is scheduled for South Pointe on March 28.
"As for the meet participation, only time will tell," Hudgins said about the Trojan Relays and venue change. "This was brought to our attention last week, so we haven't had any time to get feedback from the coaches that usually come. Over the years, we have had a core group of schools that come, hopefully they will be willing to change the site. South Pointe has a great facility, eight lanes, plenty of parking and a stadium that seats approximately 5500 people. It will also give the South Carolina teams an opportunity to get on the track where the Coaches Classic will be held."
The meet also serves as one of the association's twice-a-year hall of fame inductions. The organization has the ceremonies at the Coaches Classic meet in both cross country and track and field.
Ex-Ninety-Six and Emerald coach Zeke Goode is the inductee in March.
"Because of the deteriorating condition of the Northwestern track Bob (Jenkins) and I had actually discussed the possibility of moving the meet to South Pointe," Hudgins concluded. "Coach Jenkins and I have been friends for many years and we talk often. He actually started the meet 37 years ago and his coaches always help us run off events at the Relays. So he has been very receptive to us coming over."
Previous coverage
March 9, 2004: Track renovations cancel 2004 Trojan Relays