USA Track & Field Foundation awards Pitch Johnson Grants to 50 Elite Track & Field Athletes

USA Track & Field Foundation awards Pitch Johnson Grants to 50 Elite Track & Field Athletes


PITTSBURGH – The USA Track & Field Foundation is pleased to award its final grants of 2020, with 50 Pitch Johnson travel grants.  These grants are funded by the generosity of USATF Foundation Director, Franklin “Pitch” Johnson to honor his late father, also named “Pitch”.  The elder Pitch Johnson was a 110m hurdler and competed in the 1924 Paris Games.  He was also the track & field and cross country coach at Drake and Stanford Universities, the Director of the Drake Relays, and a Founder of the National Collegiate Track Coaches Association.

The Foundation announced that 50 talented athletes will receive $1,500 each as part of a grant travel program that was created last year in 2019 by Pitch.  The grant criteria were expanded beyond travel expenses for 2020 due to the lack of travel opportunities athletes were experiencing in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pitch Johnson, and his family are staples in the world of track & field and the USATF Foundation is grateful for their continued support of these dedicated athletes. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to utilize my 2020 travel grants for promising athletes, who did little travel this year, as financial aid, which is needed by essentially all of them in these times,” stated Pitch Johnson.

The following 50 athletes will receive grant awards in the amount of $1,500 each:

Aaron Mallet 110m Hurdles
Abdi Abdirahman Marathon
Amere Latin 400m Hurdles
Ariana Ince Javelin
Ashton Zamzow-Mahler Heptathlon
Brian Williams Discus
Brooke Andersen Hammer Throw
Chari Hawkins Heptathlon
Chris Benard Triple Jump
Chris Nilsen Pole Vault
Conor McCullough Hammer Throw
Daniel Haugh Hammer Throw
David Kendziera 400m Hurdles
Devon Williams Decathlon
Donald Scott Triple Jump
Emily Grove Pole Vault
Freddie Crittenden 110m Hurdles
Harrison Williams Decathlon
Heather MacLean 1500m
Jacob Riley Marathon
Jaide Stepter 400m
Jasmine Todd Long Jump
Jeron Robinson High Jump
Jessica Ramsey Shot Put
Josh Thompson 1500m
Kara Winger Javelin
Kate Hall Long Jump
Kayla White 100m
Kelsey Card Discus
Laulauga Tausaga – Collins Discus
Mason Finley Discus
Michelle Carter Shot Put
Nia Akins 800m
Obi Igbokwe 400m
Olivia Baker 800m
Payton Otterdahl Shot Put
Rachel Schneider 5000m
Reggie Jagers Discus
Rudy Winkler Hammer Throw
Sam Mattis Discus
Sean Donnelly Hammer Throw
Shadrack Kipchirchir 10000m
Sha’Keela Saunders Long Jump
Shakima Wimbley 400m
Sherika Nelvis 100m Hurdles
Solomon Simmons Decathlon
Stanley Kebenei Steeplechase
Trumaine Jefferson Long Jump
Tynita Butts High Jump
Woody Kincaid 5000m

 



The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging and experienced elite athletes, along with guidance on future career paths. The Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors, major gifts, and from generous fans of track & field.

Elite athletes are supported by the Foundation via monetary grants, career counseling (mentoring and jobs) and participation in Run With US!. Youth athletes are supported via monetary grants to youth clubs.

For more information, or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, Click Here or contact Tom Jackovic at (412) 398-2484 or tjackovic@usatffoundation.org.