Summer track season is picking up the pace right here in the Ranch Cities, with the Aubrey Area Youth Sports Association’s track team preparing to compete at the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Region 4 Track and Field Meet on July 16 and 17.
After being represented by 30 competitors last year, the AAYSA has ramped up their roster, with 66 competitors scheduled to make the trip to Fort Worth to face off against some of the top runners in the region at Brewer High School.
“The season has gone really well for us,” AAYSA track commissioner Michelle Watkins said. “We have a lot of really good coaches, and we have everyone from sprinters to mid-distance and long-distance runners, ages 6U all the way up to 18U, and we have a few field events, and all our meets so far have gone really well.”
AAYSA’s track season started in April, with the team competing in meets in Denton, North Lake, Forth Worth and Euless, working toward the regional meet coming up next week.
“Everyone makes it to regionals, but only the top runners make it to State, and we’ll find out the exact number once everybody submits their athletes,” Michelle said. “Last year our region took the Top 6 in each event, which can have anywhere from six to 100 participants in events like the 200--and 400-meter dash, so it can be very competitive.”
AAYSA hurdles coach Christina Crossland highlighted the growth the team has seen over the last year.
“Our team has doubled in size from the first year to the second, and we have so many we had to split them into two groups this year: four to 10 and 11 to 18,” she said. “And as far as hurdles go, last year we had three and this year we have eight, and we have a lot of new hurdlers who have never done it before … and they’re having fun figuring it out and learning the form.”
Fuller Elementary fourth grader Noelle Ellis shared what she’s looking forward to the most at the regional meet.
“I’m really excited about running, trying my best and trying to see if I can get a really good place,” she said. “I hope I can run really fast and beat all the other runners.”
Eighth grader Ella Watkins, who attends McNabb Middle School, said she’s excited to make her second appearance at the regional meet.
“I’m really excited because I enjoy running, and I think this is a great opportunity,” she said. “… Last year I got sixth and made it to State, so I did pretty well, and I’m hoping I can beat my personal record in the mile and make State again.” Aubrey High School junior and new team member, Dillon Harper, shared his thoughts on competing at his first TAAF regional meet with AAYSA.
“I’m really looking forward to racing everyone there because I think that’ll help me get better and reach the times I’ve been working all summer and throughout the year to get,” he said. “I also hope I can see some of my friends from other schools and race with them.”
