What began as a small summer event to bring the Stagg High School community together has grown into a meaningful tradition that blends friendly competition with a personal cause.
The Summer Classic Track Meet, held Thursday, July 31 at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, 8015 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, welcomed participants of all ages for an evening of track and field events aimed at building community and raising money for the Lupus Foundation of America.
Founded in 2018 by Zack Spoor, Division Chair for Art, Social Studies, and World Languages and head boys track and field coach, the event was designed to create a fun and inclusive space for families, students, alumni, and staff.
“The initial goal of the track meet was to be a family-friendly and fun way for our community to bond,” Spoor said. “We wanted a space for staff and community members to come and bring their families while getting to socialize and see one another over the summer.”
The meet offers age-appropriate events, from a 25-meter run for toddlers to a full mile for older participants. Long jump, throws, and high jump are also included, drawing about 60 to 100 attendees each year, with hopes to expand.
In 2019, the meet took on new meaning when Spoor and his team chose the Lupus Foundation of America as the event’s fundraising beneficiary, following the passing of Spoor’s mother due to complications from Lupus.
“In the winter of 2019, my mom passed away from a difficult complication related to her having Lupus,” he said. “Mary Gaido, our girls team coach, suggested we pick the Lupus Foundation of America and donate all the funds we raise from that summer meet. We did that for the 2019 meet and we’ve kept doing it ever since.”
After a two-year pause due to the pandemic and changes in the high school sports calendar, the meet resumed in 2022 with renewed focus on its dual mission: community connection and charitable support.
Spoor says the event has become a highlight of his summer, especially for the connections it fosters across generations.
“It is so great to see our former athletes and spend some time catching up with them,” he said. “And it’s very fun to watch the little ones participate in their events. It really has had a nice community feel to it in years past.”
More than just a track meet, the Summer Classic has become a way for the Stagg community to come together, celebrate the past, and give back in memory of a loved one. Spoor hopes the tradition continues to grow in both size and spirit.
“I hope that the participants have a fun evening out with their friends and family and can feel good about raising money for the Lupus Foundation of America,” he said. “I also would love for our graduates to continue to use this event as a way to connect with us and each other.”
