Words by Jayna Vance | Images by Jenny Lynn Davis
The Jasper High School track and field team is set to host its first invitational meet at the school’s newly constructed eight-lane rubber track. The Jasper Vikings Invitational will be held Thursday, April 9, 2026, beginning at 4 p.m.
Jasper will host several events throughout the invitational, including meter relays, dashes and hurdles, as well as field events such as shot put, high jump, triple jump, pole vault, javelin, and discus.
Competing teams may enter up to four athletes per individual event and one relay team per relay event. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each event, and the top two teams in each gender division will receive a team trophy.
“We are extremely excited to host our first meet on the campus track, and I can’t wait to watch us compete at our own track,” said JHS Athletic Director Jonathan Jordan. “We have been very successful in track and field throughout our school’s history, but up to now, we have done so without the fortune of having our own facilities.”
School leaders hope the event will bring the community together to support student athletes from across the state. Head track and field coach Andy Franks said several schools have already signed up, while others have expressed strong interest.
Teams competing or showing interest in competing include:
- Jasper
- Carbon Hill
- Cold Springs
- Cordova
- Curry
- Dora
- Haleyville
- Hamilton
- Oakman
- Priceville
- Winfield
- Winston County
“Many people in our community, along with Superintendent Dr. Ann Jackson, have put a lot of work into giving our student-athletes this opportunity,” Jordan said. “Hats off to Coach Franks and Coach (Eric) Phillips for all the planning each of them has done for this event. I would encourage our students to come out and support Viking Track and Field as we make history by hosting our inaugural meet.”
Admission is $8 and can be paid at the gate with cash or online through GoFan. Children younger than 6 will be admitted free.
Any local businesses interested in sponsoring the meet can email Coach Eric Phillips (ephillips@jasper.k12.al.us) by Tuesday, April 7. WL
