The 2009 United Age Group Track Coaches Association Youth Invitational
June 9, 2009
Last year I was one of the “Curious” ones Coach Jackson mentions below. Since then, actually, while I was at the 2008 meet I became a believer in a meet that is competitive and fun. If you live on the east coast, it is the must go to Invitational right before JO’s.
The 2009 United Age Group Track Coaches Association Youth Invitational
It has been said before but it may bear repeating that the UAGTCA Youth Invitational (UAGI) may not be the granddaddy of all Invitationals but we believe it has made a pretty impressive start in its first four years of life. The meet has grown from 900 curious onlookers in 2006 to 1300 serious competitors in 2008 that came from 10 states and the Island nation of Bermuda.
The year 2009 promises to show even more impressive growth. The first three years found us battling the traditional scheduling problems facing any meet, Regional J.O.’s, established Invitationals and the normal skepticism that accompanies any new venture. Many brave souls threw caution to the wind and supported our efforts based on our word and long history of achievement. Most were pleasantly surprised and vowed to return. The relaxed and reliable schedule along with the diversity of events and the strength of competition made the UAGI the place to get an excellent tune-up before the National meets. The favorable support of National publications like Youth Runner Magazine, TrackMom.Com, Dyestat and Milesplit helped raise the consciousness of the prep stars that were just looking for a place to compete without all of the hassles and complications of many larger meets.
The UAGI promised and delivered both, a hassle free schedule and great competition. The genie was out of the bottle and would not go back in. The introduction of the Race Walk in 2008 was the final link in the competition slate.
The Race Walk is a Sunday morning (finals day) showcase that emphasizes our commitment to the event as well as to the athletes who participate. The Introduction of the Madeline R. Willette Memorial Scholarship Award, dedicated to the ideals of one of our charter members, also helps demonstrate our commitment to the entire athlete involved in our program.
With growth, hopefully, comes knowledge. The 2009 version of the meet brings with it several dramatic changes to the structure of the meet. The athletes that we hope to attract wanted bigger and better facilities to showcase their talents. Travelling teams wanted better and closer accommodations and the surprises that accompany any venture of this size meant being prepared for any eventuality. The meet has moved to the Widener University Track & Field complex which is located in Chester, PA. Widener University is located just 5 miles south of Philadelphia, PA on the easily accessible I-95 corridor. It is just 3 miles from the Philadelphia International Airport. Our new host hotel is the Renaissance Airport Hotel and we have a host of activities planned at the headquarters.
We are growing daily. You can look at our 2009 Planned Participants list (Clubs who voluntarily state their intent to participate) and see that we are already at 12 stateside clubs and 2 clubs from Bermuda who have decided to join us this year. Visit the website at www.uagtca.org/invitational.htm to keep up with the changing details.
We hope to see you there!
Coach Jackson
Related posts:
- 2010 UNITED AGE GROUP TRACK COACHES ASSOCIATION YOUTH INVITATIONAL
- Training of Elite Youth Athletes….. What Age Would You Start?
- The 2009 UAGI In Review And the 2010 Meet In Preview
- 2009 Invitational and National Meets
- Day 1 Is Over…… On To Day 2 of ther UAGTCA Invitational Youth Track Meet
HI