The annual California High School Track and Field Awards Banquet was held May 27 at the high school commons, where athletes, coaches, family and friends gathered for a dinner and awards ceremony to reflect on the 2014 season.
CHS Head Track Coach Rick Edwards started off the awards ceremony by thanking those who contributed to the 2014 season. He commended the coaching staff and said, "I think we've accomplished a lot and I appreciate that so much."
"A large percent of our girls PR'd and improved all season," he said. "Our boys' team was deeper and won all of our home meets. Actually, this is the deepest boys' team I've coached since I've been at California."
Edwards spoke about each member of the track team, and commended those who earned All-Conference and All-District honors, as well as those who qualified to advance to the state track championships Saturday, including Dylan Norton in the 110 Meter Hurdles and 300 Meter Hurdles, Nathan Squires in the Shot Put, and the relay team of Norton, Dylan Albertson, Benigno Corona and Conner George in the 4x400 Meter Relay.
In closing, Edwards, who is retiring as the head track coach after this season, said, "It was 16 years ago that I took the job of head track coach and coach (Rich) Matzes and I tried to run with it. Little by little people got behind us and we started getting quality coaches. I've put a lot of effort forth so this team would be one the town is proud of. I appreciate the support I and the program have been given for 16 years. It's been a big part of my life that I will miss. Thank you for the opportunity."
At this time Edwards was given a standing ovation.