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It’s been a while since Selma High School has been able to host a home track meet at Memorial Stadium.

Track coach Jeffery Walker said the last home track event was back in 2017.

That will change next week after the track surface at Memorial Stadium was replaced. The project was completed last week in time for the Saints’ Catch Me If You Can track meet on April 9.

“The track just looks great out there,” Walker said. “They said it’s a fast track, and we are ready to test it out.”

One of the first opportunities to test it will come during practice on Thursday and Friday of this week. Walker said they are pretty much ready for the event. All that they are lacking are some hurdles and starting blocks that have been already ordered and should be delivered this week.

Selma City Council President Warren “Billy” Young said it is wonderful to see this project completed for the people of Selma.

“When this project came before the Council, we were all excited and hopeful to see it happen,” Young said. “Our citizens deserve a top notch facility for recreation, and I am grateful we now have a track that everyone can enjoy. I am also grateful for everyone who made this project a success. The track improves the quality of life for all our residents and I hope and pray we continue to restore and redevelop our beloved City.”

The track meet on April 9 features a number of local teams including Dallas County, Southside and Keith along with Demopolis and several from the Montgomery area. So far, Walker said his team has competed in several meets in the Tuscaloosa and Montgomery areas.

“It’s exciting for us to host our first meet here since 2017,” Walker said. “We have some great athletes here at Selma High School. So it will be great to showcase our talent here at Memorial Stadium in front of a local crowd. We are hoping a lot of people will show up to support them.”

The meet will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9. That’s when there will be a coaches meeting while the field events get underway. The resurfacing was not only just the main track, but it also included the long and triple jump runway, the approach for the high jump and the approach for pole vault.

Admission to the event will be $10 for ages 14 and up and $5 for children 13 and under.