Walla Walla High School Inaugurates New Beynon Track

Walla Walla High School held a ribbon cutting ceremony to inaugurate its new Beynon track in June. The new track, touted to be one of the best High School surfaces in the state of Washington, will be home for the Blue Devils track team and serve for physical education classes, band practices and additional school activities.

Prior to the construction of their new surface, the Blue Devils actually competed and trained on a hard cinder track which led to an ongoing shin splint issue. With the addition of the Beynon BSS 200 system, Walla Walla’s facility will now offer a surface where students can not only train safely but achieve top speeds on race day. Better yet, the Blue Devils will no longer have to commute across town to Martin Field for home meets.

“I have seen this project go through step-by-step,” says Blue Devil Track Coach Eric Hishaw. “I am so impressed with the quality of work and attention to detail.” The track’s IAAF certified running surface also sports Seal Coat and Wear Layer technology to ensure it will stay in prime condition throughout Walla Walla’s most extreme weather for years to come.

Over half the construction costs were covered by community donors making this an important gathering space for all. “It is going to be a tremendous facility for our Physical Education Department and its students and a wonderful venue for our community to exercise on,” Hishaw added. “Over $500,000 was privately donated for the track from our community and it's important they have access to this as well.”

“Seeing the Walla Walla community work together has been truly inspiring; we are proud to be part of making their vision come to life,” says Rob Gloeckner, VP of Beynon Sports. “It’s incredibly gratifying to provide a safe and incredibly fast track for young athletes and community members to enjoy.”

After wrapping up their last spring practice on the new track, the Blue Devils look ahead to upcoming seasons. This athletic hub now provides an opportunity for the Walla Walla athletic programs to grow. The new training surface will allow the team thirty more minutes of practice time, which could make all the difference.

“For the first time in almost 20 years we will be able to walk out onto the track on our campus,” Coach Hishaw continues. “This track is going to leave a legacy for kids and people in Walla Walla. It has already brought an excitement to our school and created a sense of pride for our team.”