Scotts Valley Middle Schoolers Participate in International Track Games

Approximately 300 sixth-graders from nine schools throughout the county participated in the 38th annual International Track and Field Games at Soquel High School on May 20.

Representing the U.S., Scotts Valley Middle School’s team of 30 (15 girls and 15 boys) showed team spirit as they marched in the parade of countries around the Soquel track. “We have been training for this during P.E. class and at lunchtime,” SVMS student Marisa E. said. 

“This is a great introduction to the sport of track and field,” said Joe Allen, SVMS’s athletic director. “This program is offered through the P.E. classes not athletics. Many of the kids are not on the track team. It’s the perfect opportunity to compete against other schools in the area.”

The day’s event started with the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance with each school representing a chosen country and all the teams joining in an Olympic-style parade around the track.

Here is a look at the schools that participated and the countries they represented:

Scotts Valley Middle School

USA

Pajaro /Calabasas

Mexico

Mar Vista

Ireland

Mount Madonna

Greece

New Brighton

England

Valencia

Denmark

Green Valley Christian

Israel

Rio Del Mar

Jamaica

Shoreline Middle School

Australia

John McConnell, the founder of the games back in 1973, was seen out on the field watching the event’s happenings with a big smile. 

McConnell taught fifth and sixth grade for Soquel and Capitola elementary schools many years ago. He got the idea for the International Games from a school in Ceres, Calif., that had the program in place.  

“It’s a really great thing for sixth-graders, not only for the athleticism but social studies plays a role as they represent different countries,” McConnell said.  

McConnell’s son Mark McConnell has kept the local legacy alive since his father retired many years ago. Mark McConnell, a math teacher at Soquel High, has been the track coach and athletic director in years past. The program has remained the same since it began, with 8-10 schools participating each year.  

“It’s wonderful to see the kids year after year enjoying the events,” Mark McConnell said.

The games were sponsored by the Wharf to Wharf committee and included gold, silver and bronze medals and award plaques for the top three school winners. Wharf to Wharf Race Inc. is chartered to promote the health and fitness of the youth of Santa Cruz County through running.    

The day’s running events got underway in the morning with the 100m, 200m and 400m sprints. The 1,600(mile) along with the 4x100m and 4x400m are always the favorites to watch.

“I ran the mile in 6:35, my fastest time yet”, said excited participant Nic C.

The field events included standing long jump, football throw, soccer kick, shuttle run and tug of war.

Team USA (Scotts Valley Middle School) took second place in the tug of war.

“My kids love to come. It’s great exposure to something they may enjoy later in life,” said Paula Twissleman, a Scotts Valley resident and P.E. teacher at Calabasas Elementary School.  

Nearly all of the kids from Scotts Valley Middle School earned a medal from the day’s events, either from individual or team events.

Kelsey H. was named outstanding girl athlete for Scotts Valley Middle School by scoring 10 points for the team.   Overall, Team USA placed third with 62 points.

England (New Brighton) took second with 70.5 and Jamaica (Rio Del Mar) was the winner with 86 points.

“I’m proud of our team and all the kids out here today,” said Lark Pifferini, P.E. coach for SVMS.  “The kids come together as a group and all have a really great time.”