Published in the August 11, 2016 edition
A GOOD TIME was had by all at the Parks and Recreation Summer Track and Field Program. The program runs every year at the conclusion of the high school track and field season. (Ashley Stevens Photo)
NORTH READING — Following what was the most successful season in program history for the girls’ and boys’ track and field teams, coaches Sotirios Pintzopoulos and Ryan Spinney put together yet another successful end of season youth track and field program with the help of high school camp counselors Vitaliy Andrusyshyn, Claire Finnegan, Abigail Griffin, Lauren Gulbicki, Tom Helms, Jillian McCullough, Julia Tatone and Seth Wing.
With 91 future track and field stars ages 6-14 enrolled in the camp, the eight counselors had a lot on their hands. The after school program runs each year at the end of the high school track and field season on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two weeks from June 14 to June 23 from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. Over each two-hour session, campers are instructed in a range of track and field skills such as a proper warm-up and cool down, plyometric skills, running mechanics and focusing skills. Campers also worked on several field events in the sport including the long jump, high jump, shot put and javelin. Campers competed in a race on the track at the end of each session, ranging from the 50-yard dash to the mile run.
On the last day of camp, campers competed in all events and earned first place ribbons by age group. The top girl and top boy in each event’s age group received a championship medal.
All campers received athletic T-shirts and participant ribbons for taking part. The camp is a great way to expose local children to a new and exciting sport that North Reading stands out in. With over 100 athletes joining the track and field team each year, it is the most participated sport at the high school. Many current high school varsity athletes got their start at this yearly camp.
Residents should look for registration information for next year’s camp through North Reading Parks and Recreation starting late next spring.
