The season officially begins this week for members of the Nanaimo Track and Field Club.
Registrations have been held, practices are scheduled and directors of the local club are eagerly looking forward to another exciting and successful year ahead. Returning as president this season is Tyler Heisterman, with Bernie Katzberg the vice-president. Secretary for the group is Christi Lundman and club treasurer is Danni Watson.
Also on the board of directors are Al Johnston, Sherri Clare, Tracy Higgins, Brenda Redman, James Mitchell, Terri Doughty, Mark Higgins, Tracey Mousseau, Brad Stewart, Jackie Pallard and Karen Poulson.
As for registration, club membership fees range from $270 for senior-aged athletes 20-34 (born 1981-95) to $65 for Track Rascals aged six to eight (born 2007-09). Registration sessions have already been held at the Rotary Bowl clubhouse located next to the track behind Nanaimo District Secondary School. However, details and registration forms are available on the club website at www.nanaimotrackandfield.com.
Practices get underway this coming Tuesday evening (March 31) and will continue through the season until mid July. Athletes will practice Tuesday and Thursday nights. All age groups will practise Saturday mornings. The club coaching coordinator is Tyler Heisterman, who oversees a large group of certified coaches that includes Mike Viers, Al Johnston, Dave Morris, Sue Deschiffart, Bernie Katzberg, Mandy Heisterman, Sven Donaldson, Peter Metrowich, Greg Bush, Paul Little, Danni Watson and Wandy Urbanowicz.
Track Rascals is a non-competitive introduction to the basic skills of track and field based on Athletics Canada’s Run, Jump, Throw program. Two separate five-week sessions have been planned, with practices on Tuesday and Thursday nights, rain or shine. Session 1 goes from April 14 to May 14 and Session 2 from May 19 to June 18. Coaching the track rascals will be Coralee Katzberg, Natasha Kosak, Alana Lavery and Brenda Morris.
The coming season sees a full schedule of meets for members who choose to take part. Part of that schedule is the Vancouver Island Series, which includes the Elwood Wylie Memorial Meet hosted by the Nanaimo club on May 23-24. As well, NTFC is this year hosting the B.C. Athletics Track and Field Jamboree on July 10-12.
To help fundraise, the club is now taking orders for 40-pound (18-kilogram) bags of organic topsoil provided by Cinnabar Valley Farms. Cost is $5 per bag and details are on the club website.
Whatever your sport, a reminder in closing to play your hardest, play fair, and show good sportsmanship.