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Nominee
FirstGolden West
LastTrack Meet
Category
  • Contributor
GenderN/A
Statement of Support and Documentation
In a few sentences, tell why this person belongs in the National High School Track and Field Hall of Fame.

The Golden West Invitational was launched in 1960, becoming the first national prep invitational meet and becoming the standard-bearer for elite high school track and field for many years. It is the longest-running post-season high school meet. Held in Sacramento area since 1965, the meet has attracted more than 150 future Olympians, including medalists like Jim Ryun, Allyson Felix, Bob Beamon, Dwight Stones and Tommie Smith.

The meet's many national record setters include Michael Carter, whose 81-3.5 shot put from 1979 still stands, plus Tommy Skipper (18-3 pole vault), George Kersh (1:46.58 800) and Shelby Vaughn (193-11 discus). The meet was structured to include exclusively individual events and in a finals-only format. It was originally boys-only, but expanded to include girls' events in 1988. It was also originally for high school seniors only, but expanded to all classes of preps and recently added events for younger athletes, as well.

FirstJosh
LastRowe
Entry DateDecember 12, 2017