Step into the heart of Kankakee County with the latest episode of Kankakee Podcast as we delve into a tale of community spirit, dedication, and revitalization. On location at Momence High School, host Jake LaMore sits down with Coach Cherry, the dedicated athletic director spearheading the much-anticipated return of track meets to Momence after an absence of two decades.
A Long-Awaited Comeback to the Track
“Last meet we hosted here was in 2005,” Coach Cherry reflects, marking a significant lapse since the track at Momence saw the thrilling competition of a track meet. Once a bustling hub for athletes, the field’s deteriorating condition forced a long hiatus, but thanks to the unwavering commitment of the school board and community, it’s back and better than ever.
A Facility Renovated, A Legacy Revived
With renewed vigor, this project brought a revamped track and football field, signaling a fresh start. “They completely redid the track, we redid the football field, and now… our kids get to actually run a meet at home,” Coach Cherry proudly shares. This transformation not only empowers local athletes but re-engages a community deeply rooted in its school’s athletic traditions.
A New Era of Opportunities
Coach Cherry emphasizes the significance of these upgrades: “It’s nice to be able to… showcase our facility that we have now too. Because it’s really top of the line.” And the results speak for themselves; the prospect of competing at home has inspired an unprecedented number of student athletes to join the program.
A Legacy of Dedication and Community
Coach Cherry’s commitment to Momence’s legacy extends beyond professional duties—it’s personal. Descending from a lineage of dedicated sports figures, he embodies the spirit of community dedication and shares invaluable insights into the mental toughness required of track athletes, fostering a sustainable sports culture in Momence.
The First Steps and Future Goals
This season marks the cautious yet exciting rebirth of track meets in the region. “We started small… we were going to host two meets,” Coach Cherry explains, setting the stage for what he envisions as an expanding future full of competitive opportunities. With plans to host invitationals and more elaborate events, the future looks promising.
A Community Affair
No revitalization is complete without the support of the community. A special shoutout goes to Rosa Carol Y. and Kankakee Podcast supporters for enhancing the meet experience with authentic tacos, turning out to support local sports endeavors while indulging in delicious fare.
Celebrating Community Achievements
As Coach Cherry and Jake LaMore wrap up their discussion, it becomes clear that this renewed energy around Momence’s track and field is not just about sports—it’s about uniting and invigorating a community through shared history, ambition, and pride.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating this significant milestone for Momence and Kankakee County at large. If Coach Cherry’s story inspires you or if you have a community topic you’d like to feature, subscribe to the Kankakee Podcast and follow us for more captivating stories from our vibrant county.
Until next time, I’m Jake LaMore, celebrating local dedication and community triumphs one episode at a time. Stay tuned for more heartwarming and inspiring tales from Kankakee County!
