After more than two decades without a home track meet, James A. Garfield Local Schools celebrated a moment generations in the making on Saturday morning with the official grand opening of the James A. Garfield Track and Field Complex.
In front of students, staff, alumni, and community members, the ceremony marked a powerful return of track and field to the heart of campus — and served as a tribute to the legacy of excellence, perseverance, and community that defines the G-Men spirit.
“This facility is more than a track — it represents decades of memories, dreams, and determination,” said announcer Jason Adkins during the ceremony. “It stands on the shoulders of history: from the dirt horse track behind Paul’s Lumber, to the cinder track built in 1967, and through 36 years of meets marked with teamwork and heart.”
Although home meets ceased in 2004 due to league regulations, Garfield’s athletes never stopped competing — or excelling. Since 1993, the district has produced 95 State Meet appearances, 75 podium finishes, and 11 individual State Champions — all without a regulation home track.
The event featured the inaugural G-Men Walk of Honor, where ten standout state-qualifying athletes returned to walk the final stretch of the new track, including 4-time State Champion Edith Svonavec and 1977 State Champion Paul Vincent. The emotional walk served as a reminder that success at Garfield has always been built on grit, respect, and community.
The district also announced the naming of its signature middle school meet in honor of longtime middle school track coach Harry Kraft, whose family was in attendance. Going forward, the event will be known as the Harry Kraft Memorial Middle School Invitational.
The centerpiece of the ceremony was the recognition of legendary coach and teacher John Bennett, who spent over 30 years mentoring Garfield athletes and helped build the program’s foundation. A Hall of Fame inductee and two-sport athlete himself, Bennett was joined by current and former Board of Education members and coaches to cut the ribbon and officially open the complex.
“Today, this track belongs not just to our athletes — but to our entire Garfield community,” said Superintendent Ted Lysiak. “We are proud to make this beautiful facility available for everyone to enjoy — for years and generations to come.”
The ceremony concluded with a performance of the National Anthem by senior Abby Seiler, followed by the start of the district’s first home meet in over 20 years — bringing Garfield Track and Field, at long last, back home.