Whether youngsters are looking to get fit, train for another sport or aspire to be the next Carl Lewis, the Ann Arbor Track Club Youth Program is prepared to serve.

Team manager, Ron Beasley, emphasizes that the program, designed for children ages 6 – 18, is actively enrolling children of “all abilities and skill levels.  We have about 70 kids who are members of the track club and are involved in the program throughout the year,” the focus of which is broken down into three seasons.  Cross-country runs from late August through early December, indoor track from mid-November through mid-March and out-door track from mid-April through late July to early August.

Children are divided based upon their abilities and intentions.  Those wishing to compete regardless of skill level participate in the “Competition League” whereas those desiring a focus on fitness typically take part in the “Recreational League.”

Head Coach, Bob Bard, takes pride in his coaching philosophy, which focuses on fun, family, substantiated research, discipline and lifetime fitness.  Bard explains that he doesn’t run drills simply because they have always been done.  He is diligent about keeping up with new      methods and applies them when appropriate.                                                             

Bard practices what he preaches as he runs with his young prodigies and encourages parents to do the same.  Those who can’t run are encouraged to walk, help facilitate drills or any one of the numerous tasks involved in managing the workout.

The program, made up of all volunteers, has quite a bit of parent involvement.  Parents often lead the athletes through a series of stretches and basic drills before splitting them up into their respective groups.

Assistant Coach, Cathy Gardner, describes the club’s runners as a “happy group.”  Children are challenged to work hard and develop their skills, but Gardner describes the program as less regimented than some other clubs.  “We modify the workouts when necessary and make it fun,” she says, this being the focus of the program.

Gardner maintains that she generally works with the younger athletes, while Bard and assistant coach, Joe Codrington, generally work with the middle and high school athletes.  She elaborates that while Bard generally oversees the workout, “coaches are good at rolling with each others differing perspectives” – a good lesson to be learned by young athletes and applied to the ins and outs of every day life.

Phillip Hill has been bringing, Xavier, his 10-year-old son, to the club workouts which are held 2 – 3 times each week for the past two years.  When asked what he thinks about the program, Hill exclaims, “We travel from Monroe, so you know we enjoy it,” and adds that the coaches provide a good work ethic.  Hill notices that Xavier’s participation helps him to feel good about himself and increase his self-confidence. 

Xavier who competes in the indoor track season says that what he likes best about the program is how it helps him to improve his speed for football season.

For more information, please visit the Youth section of the website, or call Ron Beasley at (734) 330-7931.