Mustangs Track Club Returns to Jr. Olympics

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Forty-one Mustangs Track Club athletes have qualified for the 2015 Amateur Athletics Union (AAU) Jr. Olympics, which will be held August 1-8 on the campus of Norfolk State University. The athletes advanced to the national event after a strong showing at the AAU Region 5 Qualifier Meet in Suffolk, VA June 26-28th.

When coaches Raymond Gee and Damien King completed their 2014 track season, they purposed to make 2015 even greater. Together, the duo and their team of volunteer coaches have expanded the reach of the club, which includes practice sites in Culpeper, Manassas and Fairfax. Although the club was established three years ago, this is its second season competing in AAU. “I’m blessed to have such a great coaching staff and parents that understand the dedication and hard work it takes to get to this level,” states Gee.

As Gee and King prepare to take the club to Norfolk for the national competition, they are confident that the squad will continue to do well. “We have a great nucleus of kids,” said King. They are hard workers and goal achievers, with hearts full of fight for greatness and it will all show at the Jr. Olympics.”

The following athletes have advanced to the national competition: Albert Barbaretta, Nia Bigger, Jynira Boxley, Ananda Daniel, Valdon Daniel, Ania Finch, Kyla Gee, Chase Geter, Michael Geter, Giana Gilmore, Jahlil Johnson, Jeffery Johnson, John Jackson, Nia James, Ashton King, Coen King, Camille McCain, Brock Marine, Adora Mbuko, Allina Mbuko, Khalid Mendez, Aliza Murray, Daenah Pressley, Nia Robinson, Sheldon Robinson, Sydney Radford, Victoria Reed, Camden Roy, Alauna Rutland, Isaiah Sheppard, Sydney Smith, Xavier Terrell, Evan Thornton, Janae Thornton, Phillip Tyree, Isaiah Vick, Sydney Vick, Dimitrius Walters, Malachi Williams, Jeremiah Wright and Thomas Yates.

Gee notes that expenses for the athletes to attend the Jr. Olympics are costly. The team will host an open pool party at the Culpeper Recreation Club July 25 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. to raise funds for the competition. Although they are conducting additional fundraising activities at various sites in Culpeper and Manassas, Gee says interested local businesses may also contact him for sponsorship opportunities for both the Jr. Olympics and the program in general. The public can also lend its support for the team by visiting www.mustangstrackclub.org and clicking on “JUNIOR OLYMPICS DONATIONS”. Contributions are tax deductible.