Body in Training Track Club of Noblesville recently completed its inaugural season at the USA Track and Field Junior Olympic National Championships in Baltimore, Md. After competing in local youth track meets throughout the spring, 19 of their 76 members chose to compete in the Junior Olympics, which consists of the Indiana Association Championships (held June 16 to17 in Fort Wayne), the Regional Championships (held July 5 to9 in Franklin), and the National Championships (held July 23 to 29 in Baltimore).
To advance to the National Championships, athletes were required to finish in the top five in their event age groups. While Body in Training is very proud of their nine national qualifiers, they consider their season to be successful for different reasons.
“Our goal is that each and every athlete on our team, regardless of whether or not they ever win a medal, will have fun, grow in knowledge and love of the sport, and learn how to glorify God as an athlete,” says Becky McGriff, head coach.
Body in Training athletes not only trained for their track and field events throughout the season, but also participated in devotions and, as a team, memorized over 350 Bible verses.
“Having athletes competitive on the national level is exciting,” said McGriff, “but seeing each of the kids improve and reflect Christ to those around them is even more exciting to me.”
Body in Training Track Club is open to youth ages 5 to18 and is registering athletes for fall cross country until Wednesday. For more information, visit www.bodyintrainingtrack.com.
Body in Training National Qualifiers:
8 & under girls: 100m Kiana Siefert, 15.90 sec (26th place); 200m Kiana Siefert, 34.19 sec (37th place); long jump Kiana Siefert, 11’7” (3rd place); javelin Cassidy Felger, 24’11”; Thalia Siefert, 18’1” (39th place)
8 & under boys: javelin Vincent Mann, 42’3”
9-10 girls: high jump Grace Hoffman, 3’0.5”
9-10 boys: 800m Andrew Anderson, 2:47 (42nd place); 1500m Andrew Anderson, 5:33 (31st place)
11-12 girls: 1500m Maria Anderson, 6:14 (48th place); 3000m Maria Anderson, 12:33 (33rd place); long jump Maria Anderson, 13’4.75” (35th place)
11-12 boys: 3000m Ben Roberts, 14:06
13-14 boys: javelin Jack Mennen, 92’3”