A pair of high schools will represent Prince Edward Island this spring at a national track and field meet in Toronto.
Colonel Gray High School and Kensington Intermediate-Senior High School (KISH) will compete at the Nike High School Grand Prix Track and Field meet over the May 11 weekend.
This is the first time P.E.I. will be represented at the meet.
The 11-athlete girls' team from KISH is proud to be able to represent P.E.I for the first time, said coach Maribeth Rogers.
"We are beyond excited and feel very fortunate to go. It's a huge opportunity for the girls," she said.
Colonel Gray will be sending 13 boys to compete.
"I find they're not just good athletes, but good students and people as well," said coach Mike Peterson.
The decision was tough for the Colonels' coaching staff, which had more than 30 athletes looking to participate.
"We had them write up an essay on why they feel they should go, and then narrowed it down through academics and practice attendance," said Peterson.
Both teams have been training year-round for the event with KISH being lucky to have had the opportunity to train indoors.
"We've held practices at the Credit Union Place as well as our gym three times a week."
Gray has been forced to hold most of their practices outdoors all winter long, but Peterson said he likes to see the dedication his athletes put in.
"It's awesome. These kids work so hard all year. In the winter time we're at the point where it's -30 C and they just dress for it."
Alex Khan, one of seven Grade 12 students at Colonel Gray attending the meet, said he is excited for the chance to compete against students from across Canada.
"It's really cool to have an opportunity like this, to go and compete on a national level and compare yourself to athletes across the country," said Khan, who will compete in javelin, shot put and discus.
"It's hard to gauge yourself going in, not knowing any of the other athletes, but I want to go there, have fun and represent the school along with P.E.I."
To have a team goal is tough in track and field because it is more of an individual sport, said Rogers.
"We're aiming to beat personal bests."
As for Khan, it puts a good end to a three-year career at Colonel Gray.
"It's kind of a bittersweet finish. Too see it's all over is kind of upsetting. A good last ride."
