Spirit Track Club offers opportunity for competition

Although high school track season is over, that does not mean there is nowhere for local athletes to compete. The Regional Family YMCA of Laurel Highlands Y-Spirit Track Club offers children as young as age 5 the opportunity to train and compete in a variety of track and field events.

"We want to get the kids started young, like with T-ball. With track you never had that option. Now you have the young kids coming up through the ranks. The level of talent you see coming from these young kids is incredible," said Mike Rhodes of Scottdale, throwing coach for the Y-Spirit program.

Practice is being held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45 to 7 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Area High School Stadium. Shawn Thompson, program director at The Regional Family YMCA, said those interested can join the program at any time during the season. Participants can come just to train or they can choose to compete in the Three Rivers Chapter of the USA Track and Field Federation meets held Saturdays in May and June.

"You don't have to compete if you don't want to. If the kids just want to come and enjoy it, they can, or the kids that want to get real serious, we will get real serious with them," Rhodes said.

There is a $60 fee which also gives the participant a membership with USA Track and Field. According to the organization's website, "The mission of USA Track & Field is to foster sustained competitive excellence, interest, and participation in the sports of track & field, long distance running, and race walking." Additional fees are required for uniforms and meet fees.

The program is open to children ages 5 to 18 as well as adults living close enough to participate. "A lot of my high school kids come out as well as others from Connellsville, Greensburg Salem and Southmoreland," said Thompson, who is also the Mt. Pleasant Area Senior High School track coach.

One of those athletes is Emily Lessman, 16, of Mt. Pleasant. Lessman is a member of the Southmoreland Scotty Track Team.

"I love high jumping and I wasn't getting any help just going to school, so I come here for the one-on-one instruction and to get extra practice," she said.

Not everyone who attends the program is already a trained athlete from a local school.

Casey Phelan, 12, of Connellsville is a cyber school student who said the program gives her the opportunity to do something outside and spend time with friends.

"I want to do pole vaulting. I like just running into the pit and getting over that bar," Phelan said.