More than a thousand student-atheletes, from more than 380 California high schools, are competing in Clovis this weekend. Saturday night they are hoping to take home state titles. All while their families have been leaving behind big revenue for the Valley's economy.
John and Coffey Mitchell have been following this state championship for decades. The two actually split their time between Fresno and Southern California -- and this weekend they say they've noticed the crowds at local businesses. "This morning, like I said, when we were looking over at the hotel parking lot it was very crowded. That we don't see lately, so it's a plus right there," said Coffey Mitchell.
Aman Mangat runs the front desk at the Comfort Suites in Clovis. She says all 53 rooms at the hotel are booked, and have been for days. Dozens of customers have been turned away. "So many students are here for the track meet that we can't take them because it's so busy."
The company that owns the Comfort Suites also owns three more hotels in Fresno and Clovis -- all have been booked at some point this weekend because of the track and field championship.
The hotels also say many of the people here at the track meet are staying into this next week as they travel to places like Yosemite National Park.
