America’s next generation of track and field stars have competed throughout the summer and will take center stage at the USTAF National Jr. Olympics Championships July 22 - 28 in Greensboro, N.C.
Last weekend, six members of The Pacific Beach Runners qualified for Nationals at the state Region XIII meet in Seattle. Five qualifiers — Kathryn Anderson, Kiana Ballo, Sararose Gallo, Kelsey Gundersen and Alicia Herrera — will represent the team led by their USATF Coach Lynn Howerton.
Rachel Saul, a member of the 4x400 relay team, also qualified for Nationals last weekend. However, Coach Howerton was informed on Saturday evening that she will not be attending the National competition.
Travel fundraisers
The team has been busy fund-raising on weekends between their meets; holding car washes, bake sales, and yard sales. The support of the community has been wonderful in helping the young athletes attend the first two qualifying meets.
They now have two weeks to raise enough money for airfare, hotel rooms, and meals while in North Carolina. Please be on the watch for upcoming fundraisers and continue to support this outstanding and hard working group of young athletes. The support of the community is very much appreciated as these kids work to put “The South Beach” on the USATF Jr. Olympics map.
The 47th USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships will be held at NC A&T University in Greensboro. Many of today’s Olympic stars began their track and field careers competing in the USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships.
More than 8,000 athletes are expected to converge on Greensboro. Entry for this championship is based on athlete performances at Preliminary, Association, and Regional levels of the 2013 USATF Junior Olympic Program. With a seating capacity of 20,000, Irwin Belk Track will be a premier host for this year’s Junior Olympic competition.