by Susan Fried
The Rainier Beach Track Club had a good summer season, sending 22 to athletes to the 2019 USATF Hershey National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships in Sacramento, California, in July. The team, coaches, families, and friends celebrated August 14 at Rainier Beach Community Center. Ten of the athletes had all American performances receiving medals in the 800, 100, race walking, shot put, and javelin.
James Roberson (Coach Vic), who has been a coach for the Rainier Beach Track Club for over 25 years, credited the success of the team to the high caliber of coaching and their approach to teaching the fundamentals of track: "Technically we have some of the best coaches in the area, we teach kids how to run right, throw correctly and jump well and that shows in their performances."
Coach Vic also thanked the other coaches for volunteering their time, having his back and for supporting and encouraging the athletes to do their best, and parents for cheerleading the children. As the coaches and team celebrated the success of the 2019 season, some parents and coaches were already planning ahead to next years National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships in Florida.
📸 Featured Image: Six of the the 10 Rainier Beach Track Club members who medaled at this years 2019 USATF Hershey National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships pose for a picture during an end of the year celebration the team held August 14 at Rainier Beach Community Center. (Photo: Susan Fried)