Covering the OFSAA track and field finals

It has been an intersting few days here in London at these provincial high school track and field finals hosted by the University of Western Ontario.

Lots of excellent performances by teenage athletes from the Greater Toronto Area, some records, some personal bests and some disappointments. Lots of coaches, parents, friends showing their support - but the crowds have been smaller than in previous years.

Maybe the downpour on Thursday - and it was quite the electrical storm mixed with thunder that sent athletes running for cover - scared people away. The long and triple jump pits were flooded while pockets of the track looked like wading pools. Friday was fine, but the skies are overcast again Saturday for this final day.

More records set to be challenged. Some could also fall - if the wind levels remain low and the rain stays away.

But observing things other than just the athletes, I was thinking that if there were awards for non-athletes, my vote goes to the grounds staff, security and therapists.

Yes, the championship started more than one hour late because of the inclement weather, but the UWO people were out in force along with a wave of support staff to get things cleaned up. They don't get much credit because people just want to see athletes perform.

And helping to get some athletes ready were a group of massage therapists. At tables beside the grandstand, I counted seven trained therapists working non-stop (and I didn't see anyone charging) working on leg and arm muscles. Looked tempting, but I didn't ask them if they had 15 minutes for me at the end of the day.

I also wouldn't want to be a security guard. These guys, regardless of some of them looking like bouncers, took so much abuse from fans. All they were trying to do was keep the front of the stands clear so people could watch, and yet they were continuously harrassed, called in-appropriate names and, well, you get the idea. 

Some parents wanted a quick snap on the camera of their children. Fair. But some fans decided it would be nice to stand up and move forward just as the 100 metre final started blocking the view. They did it for other events as well. Others were just obnoxious to the guys trying to do their job so everyone could watch. 

 Gold medals, from me, to the grounds staff, the security and the massage therapists.

Comments

[Rob]

With all the nonsense that I have heard about OFSAA, on behalf of the many teachers and athletes who care and appreciate what you and the Toronto Star have done, we were glad that you went to the OFSAA track and field finals.
We`re upset that you haven`t written about how poorly this event was run, all the problems and the ridiculous mentality of OFSAA putting so many championships in one week.

[T. Black]

I have been reading these blogs with so much interest and it appears that some people are offended when others, and even you, single out questionable calls and lack of leadership from OFSAA.
If these are facts, and I have no reason to believe that so many would be making this up, then you and others have every reason to point these out and even drop the axe on these people.
Furthermore, if they are doing this with my tax dollars, I want to know and insist like other people that they get the heave ho. There is no need for sloppy joes. Boot them out and I don`t care if they are volunteer teachers or coaches or OFSAA.
Run things with fairness and no crap.

[RT]

Boys rugby, girls rubgy, boys soccer, girls soccer, tennis, boys field lacrosse ALL IN THE SAME WEEK! Absolute joke, no wonder crowds were low, cant be in 7 places at once.

[S.S.]

Keep this track meet in Toronto. Everywhere else it goes, it's a disaster!

[Tim McAlpine]

Attended OFSAA Track for the 15th year this past weekend - there as coach, spectator and parent. Found it extremely well run. Disappointed that you spent more time during your High School sports show on the FAN taking shots at OFSAA and their treatment of you, than you did on the event itself. Also found it fascinating that Peter Morris called in live and just as it looked like we might get another view on the issue you cut him off. That would have made for great radio. Interesting!
All said, you still do an admirable job of reporting on High School sport even though it's mainly the GTA.

[David Grossman]

Tim, sorry to disagree with you, but I never cut Peter Morris off. If you don't believe me, listen to the Podcast of the show. It's very clear.
Morris also clearly pointed out how confused, and maybe disorganized, OFSAA is in an Executive Council indicating a reporter - me - was not allowed to attend OFSAA championships. I have the letter. Morris wasn't aware of it. Neither were a large number of coaches and even Association members who have voiced their concerns and anger that a certain group seem to be muzzling reporters from doing their job.
And, with no reason given for their action.
The "shots" that you refer to were indeed fair and honest opinions, just like you have, and we value opinions and comments.
You are welcome to talk with me anytime, but I see you prefered to write rather than phone.
I appreciate your comments about my work. I should point out that the Toronto Star caters to more than 300 high schools in Halton, Peel, Durham, York, the extended Private school network - and Toronto. That's quite a load. It's unfortunate, as parents and athletes tell me, when schools only tend to like publicity if they win and the stories are all positive.
Life does have its ups and downs.

[chris starkey]

As a fee-paying member of OFSAA, I am disappointed that the organization would rather stifle the media than respond to it. I agree with Tim on one item...an OFSAA vs. David Grossman debate would be riveting radio!

[TDCAA Teacher and Coach]

Mr. Grossman, I too was at the London track and field finals and agree with you that it was a disaster. Maybe the weather had something to do with it on Thursday but it truly was not one of the finest moments for OFSAA.
I also heard you on the radio and thought you were very fair. Mr. Morris sounded like he was trying to do some damage control for OFSAA, but really sounded out of touch with reality.

[Big John]

I give you a great deal of credit David for having to deal with some of these people who have their heads stuck in mud.
No wonder we have such a screwed up educational network with some morons spoiling it for the overwhelming majority of good teachers and coaches.
Ignore the minority who have nothing better to do with their shallow lives and keep doing what you do very well. We enjoy your Fan 590 radio show and what the Star does for high school sports.

[Mr. Rushton]

I wouldn't waste my time listening to OFSAA debating Grossman on the radio. OFSAA would be contradicting everything rather than showing anything constructive. I'm more interested in Grossman interviewing people who know what they're talking about and some of those kids in grade 9 sound brighter than the so-called leaders at OFSAA. That guy Gellatly a few weeks ago was horrible. Have to admit that I didn't like Grossman 10 years ago, but I have seen what he has done and the respect he gets from teachers, students and parents, and I support Grossman more because he is informative.

[Alex]

Man oh man, I can't believe some of this garbage. I heard the same radio show too and don't agree with Tim McAlpine. I thought Grossman did a good job taking telephone calls, saying things the way he sees it and having that 14-year old track star talk. The guy who called in from OFSAA sounded real strange. You sound like you have some sour grapes Timothy.