When Split Seconds Count

Lakeshore Track and Field and Cross Country teams now have a new tool at their disposal when a race is too close to call.

Lakeshore High School Science teacher, Chad Milletics, was recently awarded an LEF Foundation Project Grant to purchase a new timing system for use at home events, and other track and field and cross country competitions across the area. Milletics put the new system to the test, for the first time, at Lakeshore Middle School’s Cross Country meet versus Upton Middle School, this past September.

At 2,000 frames per second, the camera is extremely accurate – capturing times down to .0005 of a second. And while that precision is essential, especially during track and field meets, Milletics says there is another important benefit for the school district to have access to the system. “It’s just a huge cost savings,” says Milletics. “Lakeshore doesn’t have to hire companies to come in. I can run the system. If it was a big invitational, Michiana Timing would charge $1500, but now all Lakeshore has to pay for is my time to run it, since the school owns the equipment.”

Milletics says he’s always loved running, competing in high school, and then as the cross country and track and field coach for Lakeshore. Milletics says he was so excited to see his grant idea become reality.

“I was just so happy when I received my approval letter from LEF,” said Milletics. “It’s just a good benefit all around for Lakeshore, the students, and my family as well.”

When split seconds count, Milletics will be tracking accurate photo-finish results, thanks to the support of donors and the Lakeshore Excellence Foundation.

“It’s a great organization that does so many things giving back to the community,” says Milletics. “I don’t think the community always sees all of that. As a teacher I have always been part of the two cent program* so it’s nice to get some of that back here.”

You can submit your ideas for an LEF Foundation Project Grant starting December 1. Grant applications can be found at www.lefonline.org

*The 2¢ Campaign gives Lakeshore schools’ staff an easy way to contribute to LEF. The LEF requests just 2¢ per hour from every staff member. This commitment has enabled LEF to raise over $10,000 annually – and we have the opportunity to raise even more with 100% participation in this campaign.