The dream comes true for the Davis High track program today as — after two decades — the Dewey Halden Invitational returns to campus.

More than 25 schools are participating, which means almost 1,700 athletes are on hand for the renewal of what was once the region’s premier open track gathering.

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When members of the DHS Blue & White Foundation began their campaign to resurrect Halden Field more than six years ago, a state-of-the-art track facility was primary in their plans.

Mission accomplished.

And now, through the work of Blue Devil track coach Spencer Elliott, staff and supporters, the competitors return to what is now Ron & Mary Brown Stadium.

Twenty-four events — most running with four divisions — are being presented in three stages.

Starting at 10 a.m., the Sprint/Hurdle Fest on the track around what is still known as Halden Field featured hurdles, dashes and relays. Field events kicked off simultaneously. At 5 p.m., 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter races comprise the Distance Carnival.

“I don’t take our facility for granted,” Elliott said earlier this week, adding how proud he and his program are to be able to bring back the event named in honor of late DHS coaching legend Dewey Halden.

“I know how lucky we are, and I want to make sure we deliver a product on Saturday that our town can be proud of. I want the visiting schools, as well as our own parents and spectators, to remember how much care we took in making this meet great.”

Elliott went on to “express my gratitude to the Blue & White Foundation, the Brown family and the many other generous donors … and tell them how much I and the team appreciate their commitment to our student-athletes.”

The Halden Relays, as they were called, ran for 20-plus years before conditions at the old cinder-and-dirt DHS stadium became dangerous. Schools with synthetic tracks became the preferred sites of major meets and the Halden gathering fizzled out.

Thanks to the Blue & White Foundation’s efforts, Halden Field was completely rebuilt — and Saturday’s event is one of the big steps forward to showcase the new facility.

Admission is being charged — $5 general, $3 for students and $2 for seniors — and Elliott believes the invitational will become the program’s sole fundraiser for the season.

“No more cookie dough,” the seventh-year coach said, smiling.

Strong schools like defending Sac-Joaquin Section boys champion Jesuit and all-around accomplished Oak Ridge and Granite Bay join Elk Grove, Lodi, Woodland, Pioneer, Fairfield, Sparks (Nevada) and Vacaville, among others, in the daylong event. The meet also features a handful of junior high and middle schools as events are run in varsity and freshman/sophomore divisions.

Elliott says fans should keep an eye on Devil competitors like multi-event standout Ian Rock, freshman girls’ hurdler Jordan Banwarth and distance dandy Sophie Meads, sprinter Alec Zavala and boys’ distance standouts Trevor Halstead and Brian De La Mora.

Emerging DHS shot putter Nick Denton also will get a chance to see where he stands against the powerful Jesuit lineup.

Elliott said today provides an opportunity for the track community to show gratitude to everybody who made the stadium happen — and honor the track athletes and coaches who have come before the Class of 2011.

Notes: The order of events is available at http://www.dhstrack.com. Red Cap timing will keep events running smoothly and posting results. … Music will be provided by local group Uncle Tony. … Meet volunteers are being sought: contact Sarah Rock at [email protected] to help out. … In addition to schools mentioned above, also participating are Franklin, Galt, Del Campo, Calaveras, Winters, Laguna Creek, El Camino, Inderkum, El Dorado, Colfax, McSwain Junior High, Buffalo Babes track club and Sequoia Middle School.

— Reach Bruce Gallaudet at [email protected] or (530) 747-8047.

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DHS’ Courtney Williams sprints toward teammate Alec Zavala during the 4×100 meter relay at the Woody Wilson High School Classic last weekend. The Blue Devil relay squad — which also included Kento Okamoto and Lee LeVerrier —  took second to in 43.51 seconds. Davis is hosting the Halden Invitational at Ron & Mary Brown Stadium on Friday, reviving the event after a 20-year hiatus. Wayne Tilcock/Enterprise file photo

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DHS’ Sophie Meads, center, runs the 1,600-meter race at the Woody Wilson High School Classic last weekend. She took seventh in the event with a time of 5:17.11. The Blue Devils are hosting the Halden Invitational at Ron & Mary Brown Stadium on Friday, reviving the event after a 20-year hiatus. Wayne Tilcock/Enterprise photo

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