TheRoad Runners Club of America, the national governing body of road racing, has named Ron Beasley, Director of the Ann Arbor Track Club’s Youth Division, as the 2009 winner of the RRCA’s prestigious Kurt Steiner Outstanding Youth Program Award.  This award is presented annually by the RRCA to recognize a local running club member who is dedicated to either promoting children’s running and/or coordinating an outstanding children’s running program. The award honors a person who has done a significant job in promoting, developing and managing a children’s running program in his or her community. The program must engage children of various ages, races, and socio-economic status and should be open to both boys and girls.
Ron will receive his award on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at the awards dinner at the 2010 RRCA Convention in Lakeland, Florida.  Ron’s award is testimony to his tireless work to promote youth running in the Ann Arbor, Michigan community through his dedicated guidance of the AATC’s Youth Division.  Over the years, Ron has immersed himself in all aspects of the organization and training of our young athletes.

The Youth Division caters to children from grades one to twelve and has three seasons:  cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. Each season has numerous competitions, both in-state and out-of-state, and Ron oversees the travel and lodging arrangements for those meets as well.  Ron’s skill as a coach is well recognized, not only through the success his athletes have had in competition but also for the fun that they have in participating. 

Ron assumed the duties of the AATC’s Youth Division Director in 2000. Since then, the program has experienced a significant increase in enrollment and continues to grow. Some of Ron’s athletes have progressed and have competed at the high school and college levels.  Ron’s program continues to be a role model for the development of future track and field athletes.  Beyond his coaching, Ron provides our youth runners with a strong foundation in sportsmanship, self-esteem and respect for others.  As Youth Division Coach, Ron is an exemplary role model. 

Ron’s service in the Ann Arbor Track Club began in 1990. He served as AATC Vice-President for two years and as AATC President for five years.  Ron is also involved in our Adult and Master’s Track Programs.  His name can be frequently found on masters national running lists in distances ranging from 200 to 800 meters.
In 2004, Ron received the Elmo Award, the AATC’s highest award, which is given in recognition of an individual’s lifetime achievements on behalf of the AATC.  Ron received the Elmo Award for his many contributions to the AATC.
The AATC salutes Ron for his longstanding commitment to the promotion of youth running in the Ann Arbor community through his work with the Youth Division and congratulates hi m on winning the RRCA’s Kurt Steiner Outstanding Youth Program Award for 2009.  Through this award, Ron has brought great honor to himself and the Ann Arbor Track Club.