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Director's Cut, by Ashley Wright"INSIDE THE "SUPERIOR TRACK & FIELD" YOUTH PROGRAM " SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 - Hello fellow track fans, To the track and field super-stars, I hope you are enjoying the off-season. To the youth program coaches, I hope you are enjoying a new school year. To everyone else, I hope you had a fun-filled summer and are looking forward to cooler weather. I often wonder how our Foundation grants actually support the youth programs in a tangible way. So, I have reached out to various programs and asked. For the first installment, I’d like to introduce you to Amy Manson of Superior Track & Field in Superior, CO. She runs a unique youth program that introduces 100 5 -12 year-olds to 12 track and field events over a six week period. I’ll let Amy tell you more… Each night, kids break into four age groups and rotate every 20 minutes around various track and field stations: a run, a jump, a throw and an agility station. All performances from all kids are recorded each night and each time a PR is achieved, points are awarded to that child. Our goal is to make sure each child has been exposed to all the T&F events so they learn which events are strengths. Each child is presented with a certificate of all their PR’s on the final night. We have been successful in:
The USATF Foundation Grant has allowed us to remain the least expensive program in Boulder County. We are also able to offer discounts and scholarships for financial hardship, parent volunteers and for families with multiple kids. Our program is $125 for six weeks if someone is paying full price. We have been thanked and praised for this, especially as many parents have lost jobs and struggled financially. Each year my most memorable moments are when the kids tell me what they are: “I’m a high jumper and a discus thrower” or “I’m a 400 meter, turbo jav, pole vault kind of guy.” I love that they are finding an “identity” in track and field. I look forward to STF every year. There is nothing more fulfilling to me than watching 100 kids in full swing on the track – Pushing themselves to PR’s, being cheered on by our amazing coaching and volunteer staff, laughing and having fun. Thank you, Amy! Amy Manson grew up in Boxford, MA and was introduced to track and field as an eight year-old through her town’s track and field program. She went on to run for Sam Bell at Indiana University where she was the Big Ten Champion in the 3k and 5k in 1991 and a NCAA All-American in the 3k and 10k. Amy continued her track career professionally. She qualified for the Olympic trials three times in both the 5k and marathon and was a member of the US National Ekiden Team in 1993 and 1998. The program she benefitted from as a young runner had such an impact on Amy’s life that she wanted to provide a similar program for her local community. The truth is Superior Track and Field is just part of the positive impact Amy has had on youth, track and field and her community. In addition to Superior Track & Field, Amy and her husband, Pat Manson (a pole vaulter), host “Elite Immersion” pole vault camps all summer. Amy explains, “We definitely both feel a need to pass on a passion for our great sport.” Amy started Goaled Kids, where she presents the power of goal setting to children, school assemblies and parent/child workshops. Amy, you are an inspiration and should be proud of the positive impact you have made. It is an honor to support you and your program. Best of luck! ABOUT ASHLEY: "Like many of you, growing up I wanted nothing more than to be an Olympian. The idea of competing to be the best in the world seems to me to be the ultimate thrill and accomplishment. I never realized my Olympic dream, but it has truly been an incredible opportunity supporting others to achieve theirs. As a member of the USATF Foundation Board, I’ve had the pleasure to meet athletes. I love hearing their stories. As my buddy Tom and I were talking about ways to better market the sport, we decided that very few fans get to know the athletes outside of results and BLOG would be a good way to share Foundation News, connect with youth teams and get to know our elites." -- Ashley ARCHIVES |
ASHLEY WRIGHT, USATF FOUNDATION DIRECTOR READ ASHLEY'S BIO HERE. AMY MANSON
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