Our Long Island high school athletes in track and field have proven to be among the best in New York State. It is with great disappointment that Nassau County’s Mitchel Athletic Complex, once considered “The World’s Biggest Stage, a showcase for the best competition the world has ever seen…,” [Goodwill Games] has let the field events deteriorate to the point of forcing our high school athletes and other famous high profile meets to seek other venues for their competition.
The mats for pole vault and high jump were left outside all winter. They were infested with rats and had to be condemned by coaches.
After several complaints these mats were finally removed, but not replaced. Since there are no mats for these events, the pole vault and high jump cannot be contested at this site.
The revenue that has been lost and continues to be lost through Nassau County’s negligence could have helped restore these fields and bring back our athletes so that we can once again be considered “The World’s Biggest Stage” for track and field.
Mary Anne Goldman
Nassau Track & Field and Cross Country Official
