Faflick hasn’t left state track meet behind
Even though Bill Faflick was promoted last summer from City League athletic director to assistant superintendent of secondary schools for the Wichita district, he’s still running the show at the state track meet today and Saturday at Cessna Stadium.
“The track meet, I want to remain involved with it,” said Faflick, who has been meet director for more than a decade. “It’s a good way to maintain the continuity for the meet itself. And professionally and personally, I’ve enjoyed it.”
Faflick has participated in the state meet at a variety of levels, including as an athlete, coach, and school athletic director. He loves the sport, and the fact that he can remain with the event despite his job promotion was important.
The timing of the state meet works for Faflick because Wichita schools had their last day Wednesday. While he still has plenty of work to do, he can spend time at Cessna Stadium.
“I love being part of the team,” Faflick said. “I really enjoy it. We have a great event staff that comes and has dedicated themselves for so many years. Some are daily involved with high school athletics and some are seasonally or just for this weekend.
“It’s really fun to be part of that team and to work together on a project like that. Everyone plays such an important role.”
There’s new people he’ll be working with. With the retirement of Rick Bowden, a Kansas State High School Activities Association assistant executive director, the meet lost a valuable and longtime meet official. Mark Lentz replaced Bowden and is in his first year in such a role.
Also gone is longtime meet referee Kaye Pearce, who had also been a KSHSAA executive director. Pearce has been replaced by former East track coach Steve Sell, who has been on the state track scene for many years.
Darren Muci replaces Marvin Estes, now a Kapaun coach, as the inside field event referee.