April 17, 2008 issue
Striders Track Club: The Simple Fun of Track and Field
Organization Meeting for Parents April 21
Story by Garrett Simmons
It has been said that track and field are the only true sports, and that everything else is merely a game. Runners do not play the clock to their advantage, but instead compete against it. Shot putters do not throw secret pitches, but instead throw one, perfect toss. The farthest thrower wins. The fastest runner wins. Simple.
People who grew up competing in track and field like Don Wood understand this idea better than most. For them, there is no greater thrill than lacing up their spikes and hitting the track. During high school, Wood favored the long and triple jump events, but found his true love in coaching. Having coached for more than 10 years, Wood said, “There’s nothing like watching people who are new to the sport as they begin to develop. You see them getting the same enjoyment out of it that you first did.”
That is why Wood is coaching his annual Striders Track Club. The club is open to children ages 6 to 18, although Wood said the majority of participants are from 6 to 9. Children who join the club can compete in all major track and field events, from the 1,600 meter race to the javelin.
This will be the club’s fourth season. Wood said membership has grown every season since the club was started, with last year’s team total reaching 85 members. Beginning Thursday April 24, the club will meet twice a week on Monday and Thursday at 5:45 p.m. Practice is held at the Watauga High School track. The Striders Track Club is co-ed and competes in regional and state competitions. Members have competed in the Junior Olympics.
However, Wood said, the competition is more a goal to work towards than a serious measure of success. The real benefit is discovering the fun of track and field. “All of the kids in Striders have a great time,” he said. “And that’s what track is all about. Kids feel good about themselves and get to make friends.”
A parents’ meeting will be held on Monday April 21, at 6:00 p.m. at the Watauga High School track. The cost is $40, with scholarships available for qualifying participants.
For more info contact Don Wood at 828-963-9702 or Wood@skybest.com.
Want To Go?
Date: Monday, April 21
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Watauga High School Track
Cost: $40
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