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Assistant coach Craig Cheesborough works with Ty Crowe in throwing the javelin during rec department track and field practice at OCHS. More than 60 kids are participating in the first year of the program. (Owen Warden/The Oglethorpe Echo)
Oglethorpe County’s new youth rec track and field team is off to a fast start with over 60 participants in its first year.
Kids ages 6 to 15 participate in weekly practices at Oglethorpe County High School and compete in meets, usually on weekends.
Rec department director Michael White said he expected approximately 25-30 kids, but has been pleasantly surprised with the massive turnout.
“It’s been good,” he said. “I haven’t heard anything, but positive (things) from parents. Better than anything I expected in the first year.”
But coach Dwight Howard Sr., who has coached youth track and field athletes for about 30 years, expected the turnout and has loved every second.
“I’m gonna be totally honest, I’m not surprised,” Howard said. “Because, I know once parents are exposed to this kind of activity, it’s like a no-brainer, so I’m not really surprised and I’m glad we’re able to pioneer this group.”
Both Howard and associate head coach Craig Huling signed up to coach the team, but were surprised at how many adults joined them. There are seven assistants who coach field events, like javelin or high jump.
“God blessed us with some sincerely great coaches that know what to do, and are willing to commit to what’s going on,” Howard said. “It is great. It’s a win-win situation. We got some parents, some coaches that are parents and they understand how important it is. They see what we’re trying to do. They see our goals. I think it’s really great.”
Huling said the team has won about 200 medals and ribbons in its three meets, but both coaches said the competition ramped up after the first meet at Clarke Central.
The team won 20 gold medals in the two recent meets at Commerce. Howard said he’s excited to see how the increased competition has pushed his team.
“It’s been great,” he said. “I tell them all. You never lose. You either win or you learn, and we’ve been learning and everybody’s been getting better. Recreation track and field is a development phase, so we are very satisfied with our development.”
While Howard, Huling and the rest of the coaches continue to push for success, they said that they push development even harder.
White has been able to make it to some practices and loves the way that Howard, Huling and the coaching staff have worked with each kid.
“They coach them,” White said. “They're gonna teach them the right way. That’s what I wanted because it’s going to be instructional to start off with, because 90% of the kids running, they’ve never done it. I’m proud of it at this point.”
The team travels to Habersham County for its next meet. The season ends May 4.
“Oh, this is part of my life goals and I love it,” Howard said. “I can’t describe how much I love to see every individual get out of their comfort zone and do great. I love the spirit of excellence that’s out here.”