stephens: We want to get kids involved in the sport early and I always watched what others are doing successfully in track and field cross country to grow the sport and involve young athletes. Knoxville Youth Athletics does a similar program that was my model. We are taking what Marty Sonnenfeldt is doing with that program and adapting it a little to accomplish our goal of getting more kids running. The bones of his organization is our template. It is called the Elementary & Middle School Cross Country Club Challenge.
scrunners: How do you see this becoming organized?
stephens: We are just trying to pull people together to help with events, coach club teams and spread the word. We have the structure; all we need is the help.
scrunners: What is your ultimate goal with the group?
stephens: Get kids running and interested in track and field cross country.
scrunners: Where would the meets take place?
stephens: We are looking at a minimum of one meet each week in the upper and lower state at various locations. If more people are willing to help put on events, we will do more than two meets. It will culminate with at State Championship event in Columbia on Oct. 20. To see the tentative schedule go to or website at: www.TrackCarolina.com.
scrunners: What do you see it taking to achieve this?
stephens: It will take a lot of people stepping up to help. The interest so far has been amazing and more people are jumping on board every day.
scrunners: What kind of feedback have you heard so far?
stephens: All positive! Great support so far!
scrunners: Please give a general overview of what you would like to do.
stephens: We want to develop running clubs at as many elementary and middle schools as possible. Then, provide these clubs variety opportunities to compete and put on a state championship for boys and girls who competed during the regular season events. It is going to be a process and we will tweak the program as it grows and we encounter issues.
To follow the development of the program and get information on events go to: www.TrackCarolina.com.