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The event is a free track and field event open to third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders in Moraga schools, which is often their first experience with such an event. The events consist of sprints, relays, steeplechase, sack race, baseball throw, long jump, and basketball throw. More than 260 athletes participated this year, down from 345 athletes last year, and Camino Pablo fielded 45 percent of their eligible students. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded to the top three contestants in each event. All participants were eligible for a participant ribbon if they desired.
The High Point Boy was Chase Nickens, a third-grader in Jennifer Johnson's class at Rheem, who won three Gold and one Silver medal for 18 points. The High Point Girl was Olivia Metz, a fifth-grader in Clare Fallon's class at Camino Pablo, who won one Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze medals for 10 points. The teacher whose students accumulated the most medal points, 23, was Johnette Rhoden, a fourth-grade teacher at Los Perales. These students, their parents, and teachers will be guests at a meeting of Moraga Rotary where they and Camino Pablo Elementary School will receive engraved plaques to recognize their accomplishments.
For the sixth year, the Field Day had the assistance of many of the men and women from the Saint Mary's College basketball teams. The Gael athletes conducted the basketball throw event, and also helped officiate and judge the sprints, relays, sack races, and the steeplechase. Boy Scouts from Troop 246, sponsored by Moraga Rotary, helped with some of the field events.
The Field Day chairman, Rotarian Tony Schoemehl, gave a huge thank you to all the teachers who encouraged their students to participate, and to the coaches and athletes of Saint Mary's College who helped conduct the events. He also thanks the parents who helped direct the children to the various events and helped with the field events, and to the Boy Scouts of Troop 246 for their assistance. The students were very well behaved, and were enthusiastic in their support for each other and for their schools. "All who participated were winners in our eyes," Schoemehl said.
Rotary Club of Moraga is a local service club within Rotary International, one of about 33,000 Rotary Clubs in about 200 countries. Regular meetings are held on most Tuesdays at Moraga Country Club. For further information, please call Frank May at (925) 376-8195, or check out moragarotary.org.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA