Although schools are on vacation and many high school athletes are taking a break, Memorial Stadium still managed to pack hundreds of athletes Saturday for a track meet.

The Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships had its first state championship in Selma in an effort to bring athletes from all around the state to a central location with a venue and a city that will accommodate all athletes involved.

So far, Selma has given the visitors of the track meet a positive view of Selma.

Athletes and employees with USA Track and Field have complimented not only Memorial Stadium, but the hospitality of the hotel staff and the kindness of the first responders to volunteer their time.

USATF Alabama youth committee chairman Dale Beard said the recreation department, led by Lebo Jones, did a great job of making sure him and his staff had everything they needed — from golf carts to radio equipment — to make the meet successful.

This isn’t the first time a statewide track meet has been held at Memorial Stadium this year, which shows that Memorial Stadium plays a big role in bringing more people to Selma.

The meet continues Sunday, and head coach of Selma’s Walker Track Club Jeffery Walker encourages the community to come out and support the local athletes competing in Sunday’s events.