WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - It is state championship season for high schoolers across Kansas and the track and field championship started Friday at Cessna Stadium. 

The 2024 track and field state championship started off with a bang.

Competitors, coaches, parents, and volunteers came from all across Kansas to see both boys and girls from every class try to take home the gold. 

“Track has been such an amazing sport for me. Like I have worked my butt off to make it here especially to state and I’m so glad I got to end on state my senior year,” said Abby Farr, senior Eisenhower High School competitor. 

Abby Farr from Eisenhower was one of 3,930 competitors at this year’s championship. 

To ensure an event of this size goes smoothly, they have more than 1500 coaches and 300 volunteers present.

Cessna Stadium hosted the tournament but it looked a little different than in years past. 

“Well, definitely the first thing I noticed was the construction. It's a little bit harder to spectate,” said Janae Kelly, sophomore Andover High School competitor. 

The east side’s grandstand was removed due to ongoing construction. 

“We view the construction as a short term sacrifice for a long term gain. It is a little bit different this year but we know next year the East side will be finished with bleachers and terraces and brand new restrooms, and concession areas. So, it’ll be awesome next year,” said Kyle Doperalski, KSHSAA assistant executive director. 

But this didn’t mean fewer crowds came out. More than 20,000 people will watch the competition over the weekend. 

“It’s just exciting to see all the kids out here competing against each other and giving it their best,” said John Hurla, father of a competitor. 

Student athletes ran, relayed, jumped, and threw.  

“I love how you can compete with yourself too,” said Farr. 

“I love my team and my coaches and it’s just a lot of fun to obviously succeed,” said Kelly.