New track at Glendale Middle School gives students a running start

Coach Tucker works with the track team after school on May 4. As a passionate coach and teacher at Glendale for the past 10 years, Tucker literally lets students wear his track shoes during practice. Photo by David Ricketts.

Come see these student track & field athletes in action at the Ron McBride Invitational Meet on May 20 from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 1441 W. Andrew Avenue.

Glendale Middle School students have a new outdoor running track this year thanks to a dedicated coach and generous sponsors.

The Ron McBride Track & Field was celebrated at a ribbon cutting and track exhibition on November 3, 2022. It’s the first and only running track at a Salt Lake City Middle School and an exciting addition to Glendale.

From Left to Right: Kayliah Kioa, Kasinga Faletau, Seini Hiehiapo, and Lute Saafi get into starting positions for their first exhibition meet on the new Ron McBride Track & Field last November. Photo by Siutaka Hiehiapo.

Glendale Coach Lucas Tucker began lobbying for a track facility for his student athletes over six years ago so that they could compete at a more equal level in the future. “By the time our Glendale athletes get to high school, it’s too late; they are already behind in terms of training experience. This will even the playing field,” said Tucker.

Former University of Utah football coach Ron McBride (Coach Mac) has taken Glendale students under his wing through his Ron McBride Foundation. Coach Mac brought a team of sponsors together to make this possible, including Kim Gardner, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, R. Harold Burton Foundation, the Salt Lake Education Foundation, and Salt Lake City School District, among others.

“My life is a commitment to young people,” said McBride, “and our commitment to Glendale Middle School is forever.” He intends to develop this track & field into a larger complex in the future, complete with turf field and lights.

In the meantime, Glendale students are happy to develop their track skills on the asphalt track and grass field under the direction of beloved, supportive Coach Tucker, who literally gives the shoes off his feet to his students.

“This will definitely make a difference for us and promotes the sport of track and field on the Westside,” said 8th grader Kayliah Kioa.

James Yapias, director of the Salt Lake Education Foundation, said, “This track will help these students become the best version of themselves.”