Rain, Rain Go Away - For Now

Earlier in the year I discussed in one of my blogs about our timetable for the completion of our new track facility. Now as we are days away from the start of the school year, we are disappointed that we have not reached the goal of having the track completed. There are various reasons for the delays, but the bottom line is that we will not have the track finished until late October. I know that Coach Smith and his athletes are frustrated; however, we will do the best we can with what resources are available to us. And we know that once this project is completed, it will play a major role in transforming the athletic facilities at Grape Street. While I am annoyed by the delays, I am still amazed at what we have been able to do at Grape Street over the last six years. What was once home to red ants and tumbleweeds has become a great facility with an even greater future.

One of the reasons for the delay for the track facility is the rain, which this week has also caused numerous logistical headaches for our football and soccer programs. Trying to balance a practice schedule, while worrying about the upkeep of our fields, is not a dilemma that any coach relishes. At this time of year all of our coaches have bookmarked the weather.com website so they can check the hourly forecast for rain and potential lightning. Fortunately we have not had to delay any practices because of lightning this week. Our cross country teams have been able to avoid much of the bad weather, which is the least Mother Nature could do for them since they are practicing at six a.m. Longtime Abilene residents will remember that we could always count on the rain to hit during the West Texas Fair and Rodeo in September. Now as we have had rain for the third time in the last four years during New Student Orientation, we might have a new traditional forecast for rain each year.

The rain also caused issues for the new students who were moving into the dorms today. I saw many parents and students struggling with numerous boxes and suitcases as they attempted to move in during one of our many showers today. The rain will add to the many memories that this week will bring for both parents and students. And I am sure that in the case of our male students, today will likely be the cleanest that their dorm room will be for the rest of the semester.