Junior Striders Spring Track - 2010

There are two levels of the Howard County Junior Striders track program for athletes in Kindergarten through 12th Grade (high school students are not allowed to participate with the team until after their high school season is over). Both levels are for children who WANT to run and be on the team so please be fair to everyone and make sure your child WANTS to run before signing them up. Level 1 is Spring Track and Level 2 is Spring and Summer Track. Here are the details about each level. You will be able to change from Level 1 to Level 2 through May 25.

1. Level 1 is for athletes in elementary or middle school (no high schoolers) who will attend most practices and might attend some meets in late April, May or early June but WILL NOT be competing at the competitive AAU Junior Olympic meets starting in June. Athletes and parents can choose events at meets. No meets are required but are encouraged. Two practices a week (Monday and Thursday), starts mid-April and ends mid-June. Beginners and experienced (all) are welcome. No late registration after April 30.

2. Level 2 is for athletes born between 1992 and 2003 who will attend most practices and will attend meets including the AAU Junior Olympic Meets in Columbia (hopefully) on June 12-13 and in Hagerstown on June 24-27 in hopes of qualifying to compete at the National Championship meet in Norfolk, VA from July 31-August 7, 2010. Two practices a week with Level 1 through May but three practices a week in June. Coaches will choose events at AAU Junior Olympic Meets. Club will cover membership and race fees related to AAU meets and uniforms for high school students. Beginners and experienced (all) are welcome. Registration due no later than May 25.

Complete a registration form for each athlete participating in the Junior Striders Track Program. Please mail the registration in by April 1 if possible; registrations will be accepted at practices but mail is preferred. Phil Lang is the Youth Coordinator for the Howard County Striders and he can be contacted at coachlang@hotmail.com. Check the this page regularly for updates, results and pictures. Make it a favorite!

Athletic attire should be worn at practice (shorts, t-shirt, sweats). Special running shoes (not spikes) to train in are encouraged for all the runners and are required for those in middle school; you will receive a 10% discount if you buy them at Feet First in the Hickory Ridge Village Center or Road Runner Sports in the Gateway Overlook Shopping Center. Racing shoes (spikes) are not required or even encouraged until your child really commits to the sport.

Practices will be held twice weekly, each Monday and Thursday from April 12 to June 10, from 6:00pm to 7:15pm at Oakland Mills High School. Practice groups will be based on event interest, age and ability and practices will include a warm up, stretching, drills, and a workout. We practice rain or shine typically but if you are not comfortable with the weather please feel free to not attend the practice that night. Practices are not required.

The team will compete at several events during the season and runners are encouraged to be a part of the team and test their speed and stamina at these meets. Most of the meets are in Frederick County on either Sunday afternoons or Saturday mornings with the first one most likely scheduled for April 18. Races will be contested in two age groups based on the runners’ age as of 12/31/10; not their age the day of the race. There are entry fees for these events and they are typically about $5. Transportation is not provided but car pooling is encouraged. Dates, times, schedule and directions to these meets will be posted on the web site as available. Uniforms must be worn at meets.