Congratulations to the Norwich track and field seniors: Kyra Brunick-Davis, Annie Boland, Lara Tefft, Eva Blenis, Caden Sutton, Gabe Decker, Jonah Adams, Jack Barnes, and Steven Dowdall. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

NORWICH – The REK Friends Forever invitational made its way back home for the 18th year after being held at Sidney in 2024 due to construction. Norwich welcomed 15 schools, including Margaretsville this year and the meet featured over 600 plus students and a new six to eight lane track. The newest track also added the steeplechase event.

“Even though we were at Sidney last year, it was still great,” Kelly Collins Colosi said. “Paul Sims over at Sidney has great connections here at Norwich and did a great job allowing us to host it last year. But, it is nice to be back, where we are able to keep the memories alive and it is fun to see a lot of students participate.”

This year, Colosi had her daughter, Emma, who is a sophomore on the Norwich High School track and field team competing to keep the legacy going.

The event had two stoppages for thunder and lightning, which the second stoppage canceled the remaining events. Coach Horan said that it was good for all the athletes to be able to at least compete in one event before the staff decided to cancel for safety.

The Norwich track and field program also dedicated lane four to be memory lane, where for the hurdles events, the names of those alumni lost were honored, such as REK.