Due to public outcry, La Jolla High School Principal Dana Shelburne has reopened the school’s track to the public during certain hours.
The demand for the re-surfaced track and the football field was apparent this holiday season when Shelburne opened it to cater not only to Arizona State University’s marching band but also to the United States Marine Corps, allowing both groups to practice before heading to the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium.
Although officials with the Marine Corps said they specifically refrained from informing the public of the event because 250 Marines gathered in one place was considered a safety risk, the military group quickly learned to unfurl an American flag weighing about 1,000 pounds at La Jolla High’s football field.
Amid a few spectators, a group of six experienced military flag unfurlers quickly trained the rest before escorting the group to Qualcomm, where they would unravel the flag while the national anthem played in the background.
“I feel honored and pleased to be able to unfurl the American flag at the Holiday Bowl,” said Sgt. Delaurien McKenzie of Camp Pendleton.
McKenzie, a Marine who has been to Iraq twice, explained that he was excited to be one of the men chosen to represent the military and to see a football game.
While the Marines practiced the day of the bowl, Arizona State’s marching band practiced the day before, utilizing the school’s field.
The public may use the track too, Shelburne said.
“It’s open weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and from dawn to dusk weekdays,” Shelburne said. “It is open and everything has calmed down. Unless there is an event for exclusive use, the public can come at those times.”
For information about La Jolla High, call (858) 454-3081.