Warriors Track Club to host meet

BY ALEX BATTITORI
alex@hometowngirard.com

The Warriors Track Club will be hosting a team meet at Girard High School Friday, June 17, 6-8 p.m. to coincide with the Girard High School Alumni Weekend.

Currently, there are over 40 athletes registered to compete, with more still coming in.
The club was founded in March 2016 by Nate and Maria Clevenger. It is currently AAU sanctioned and is open to youth ages 7-18. The goals of the club are to build character and teach good sportsmanship, foster a love and understanding for track and field, encourage a healthy and active lifestyle and, most importantly, to have fun.

Hotdogs, chips and refreshments will be served during the meet as a thank-you for any donations or support. Funds received will go towards equipment, uniforms and to help any athletes who may need assistance to participate. All funds received as part of the meet and any donations prior to will be matched up to $2500 by the Modern Woodmen Financial Services District office located in Girard.

As the case with all start-up clubs, there are numerous start-up costs. One major cost is the $300 annual cost of an AAU membership which allows the club to become a 501(c)(3), as well as providing the club’s athletes with insurance coverage for practice and meets. Uniform costs will come to $1,800.

“Thanks to Girard USD 248 we have access to large equipment such as high jump, long jump pits, starting blocks, javelins etc. but other equipment will need to be purchased, including shot puts, discus of different weights, turbo javelins and batons,” Chris Senecaut of Modern Woodmen Financial said.

Anyone who cannot make the meet but would like to donate to the Warriors Track Club may send a check made to: Warriors Track Club, C/O Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, 104 S Ozark, Girard, KS 66743.