You can call it a homecoming of sorts going on at William Fleming High School this weekend. The Cosmopolitan Invitational Track and Field meet is back where it all began 46 years ago.
The very first Cosmo was held at Fleming in 1966. Over the past couple of decades the event had moved to other locations, but with the Colonels sporting a brand new track the Cosmo came back home.
The three-day meet wrapped up on Saturday with participants from 36 different middle and high school programs.
"The feedback I get is that the majority of the athletes really look forward to the Cosmopolitan," said Meet Director Randy Lower, "It's just a week or two prior to their District meets. Gets them peaking at the right time so to speak."
Beyond the medalists, there were two winners off the track as well. A pair of scholarships were awarded to Evan Knicely of Alleghany High School and Maureen Brady from Roanoke Catholic.
"The Cosmopolitan Club is a community service club," Lower explains. "You don't have to be the greatest athlete. You don't have to be a 4.0 student. We're looking for good, solid kids who are interested in giving back to their community.
The Cosmo has awarded more than $40,000 in scholarship money since the year 2000.
