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Athletes spring into action

Post Independent Writer
Post Independent/Kelley Cox Masha Williams clears a hurdle as Anglea Shepard runs alongside during Wednesday evening's Glenwood Springers track practice.
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By Phil SandovalPost Independent StaffFor those who feel track and field has waned in popularity, jog over to the Glenwood Springs High School running track any weekday afternoon.Upon arrival, there will be dozens of aspiring young sprinters, distance runners and jumpers honing their skills as members of the Glenwood Springers Track Club.The Springers have 50 members, ranging from 8-18 years old, on the 2004 roster. But, there’s room for more youngsters to get involved. Workouts take place at the high school track from 4-6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays in June and July.

All a youngster has to do to join is come down to the track. The cost is $75. Scholarships and family discounts are available.According to team assistant coach Mike Kishimoto, the Springers are Colorado’s only U.S. Amateur Track and Field-sanctioned youth track club on the Western Slope.That’s helped swell the Springers’ attendance rolls to beyond Glenwood’s borders. Kids from Rifle, Carbondale and as far away from Kremmling and Eagle drive in for team workouts – and success on the track.In their 20 years of existence, the Springers have captured a cache of state, regional and national Junior Olympics championship honors.A number of former club members have advanced to compete at the college level. A few include: Dana Boyle, a USATF National champion, who now runs at the University Puget Sound; Matt Queen, a four-year letterman for the

Springers: see page 16University of Colorado and former GSHS star; distance runners, Chas and Marco Salmen who compete for Duke University.But, as successful as the team’s been in winning titles, that’s not the track club’s main focus.Instead, the Springers’ main thrust is to promote physical fitness, teach proper training and workout habits along with introducing kids to the sport of track and field. Of course the main goal of the club is to create a fun and healthy environment.”In a five- to six-week program like ours, the kids are learning a whole lot of events, and they’re not doing the same thing every day,” said Springers head coach Blake Risner.



Running through obstacle courses and competing in games of tag adds to the enjoyment of team workouts.The team’s season opens June 9, with a regional youth Hershey track meet at Stubler Memorial Field.On June 30, the Springers holds its annual all-comers meet at GSHS. The event is a fund-raiser for the club to help offset costs of team uniforms and travel.The Springers meet features age groups, ranging from 4-and-younger to 60 and-older, participating in various events.Along with the individual running and relay races, a long jump and shot put competition are also scheduled. An additional feature of the meet will be a division for family and corporate relay teams.For more information on the Glenwood Springers track club or the Springers track meet, call Kishimoto oat 945-1425 or Greg Feinsinger at 945-5737.For more information on the Glenwood Springers track club or the Springers track meet, call Kishimoto oat 945-1425 or Greg Feinsinger at 945-5737.


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