MOORHEAD, Minn. - The Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons track and field teams partnered with the Pilot Elementary School Athletics Program to host the Dragons Track & Field Day.  The event kicks off the 2010 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships. 

Following the principles of the NCAA Division II “Life in the Balance” platform, the event offered the opportunity for track and field student-athletes to engage area elementary students with MSUM and their sport.

MSUM Head Track and Field Coach Keith Barnier commented “We value our community and we wanted to give back and by doing this we had the opportunity to promote track and field at the same time.”

Over 250 youth from eight Fargo (N.D.) elementary schools joined the Dragons at Alex Nemzek Fieldhouse to participate in various track and field events to gain exposure to collegiate athletics and the sport. The same group held a football clinic in the fall with the Dragons football team.

“The purpose of the event was to give students the opportunity to participate in track and field,” Chris Triggs, Principal from Madison Elementary said. “Giving youth the exposure and opportunities to participate in a sport that isn't as well known at their age is our main goal.”

The elementary schools that were represented were Madison, Lewis & Clark, Roosevelt, Jefferson, Lincoln, Kennedy, Bennett and Claire Barton.

The events included hurdles, high jump, sprinting, the ball toss (to simulate shot put), stretching, long jump and facility/track tours.

“Giving kids the opportunity to see that if you try hard and go to college that they can someday be a college athlete is a very fulfilling way to spend your afternoon,” Sophomore student-athlete and Elementary Education major, Kirby Black said. “Getting the chance to interact with us and being able to interact with them makes this experience one of the best days in the spring for both our team and the youth.”

The NSIC Outdoor Championships will begin at 11 a.m. at the Ron Masanz Track and Alex Nemzek Stadium on the campus of MSUM. For more information on the meet CLICK HERE.