The closest performers could come to this dream is at the Nebraska State Track Meet. In that event individuals receive medals for winning events in their classes. But victors also earn medals for turning in the best performances among all the classes. He presented his idea to Todd Henrichs, then sports editor of the Grand Island Independent, and the Central Nebraska Track Championships were born. The Independent put its resources behind the event, and the track meet has become a premiere event in Central Nebraska.
Admission is free.
The annual track meet was destined to be a success. For years The Independent has printed the best track and field performances by area athletes. The top performances are published each Wednesday, and they become targets for athletes in meets over the weekend. The Central Nebraska Track Championships brings this competition to life. Grand Island Senior High and The Independent invite the 10 area athletes with the best top performances in each event to compete against each other in the same meet.