Sports

Track Houston Youth Club

Track Houston Youth Track Club is a premier youth track and field organization based in Missouri City, Texas. Founded in 1989 by Coach William Mitchell and Johnny Dade, the club has grown from a small, 40-member, one-site organization to eight Houston Metro practice sites, with over 100 volunteers supporting over 600 athletes between the ages of 6 and 18.

The mission of Track Houston is to provide a positive and safe environment for young athletes to develop their physical, mental and social skills through the sport of track and field. The organization aims to help each athlete reach their full potential by providing them with the necessary resources and support. The club’s dedicated coaches and volunteers work tirelessly to provide a high-quality experience for all of their athletes.

Throughout its 34 years of existence, Track Houston has produced numerous successful athletes, including several USATF Junior Olympic National Records holders. In 2012, the 17-18 Year Old Young Men’s Division set a 4×100 National Record with a time of 39.56, and in 2013, the 9-10 Year Girls’ Division set a 4×400 Meter National Record with a time of 4:17.32. These records are a testament to the high level of talent and dedication of Track Houston’s athletes and coaches.

In the 2022 Outdoor Circuit, the club’s head coach, William Valerie, led the 15-16 Year Girls Division to a Trifecta in the Relays, winning Gold in the 4×100, 4×400, and 4×800 Relay. This was a major achievement for the club and a proud moment for the coaches, athletes, and families involved. The club’s commitment to excellence was on full display during this event and it was a shining example of the dedication and hard work of all involved.

Many of the club’s athletes have gone on to compete at the collegiate level and a few at the National & Olympic levels. Notable alumni include Ahmed Ali, who qualified for the 200 Meter at the 2016 Olympics, Alaysha Johnson, the Pac 12 100 Meter Hurdle Winner in 2017 and 2022 Silver Medalist at the USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships, and Bryce Deadmon, a 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist (4×400). These athletes are a testament to the club’s ability to develop and nurture young talent.

Several former members of Track Houston have also gone on to compete in professional sports, including the NFL, WNBA, Pro Cycling, and Volleyball. This demonstrates the wide range of opportunities available to the club’s athletes and the positive impact that the organization has on their lives. The organization continues to be a source of talent and success in the track and field community.

In addition to the competitive aspect of the club, Track Houston also places a strong emphasis on the social and personal development of its athletes. The organization aims to create a positive and inclusive environment where all athletes feel welcome and valued. The club’s coaches and volunteers work to instill values such as teamwork, discipline, and respect in the young athletes.

In the 2022 USATF Junior Olympic Championships, Track Houston athletes competed in various events, including the 4×100 Meter Relay, 4×400 Meter Relay, 4×800 Meter Relay, Triple Jump Finals, 100 Meter Finals, 200 Meter Finals, and 800 Meter Pentathlon Finals. The club’s athletes performed exceptionally well, with several of them finishing in first place. Specific results for each event can be found at the provided links.

In conclusion, Track Houston Youth Track Club has been a major force in the youth track and field community for 34 years. The organization has produced numerous successful athletes and has a strong emphasis on the personal and social development of its athletes. The club’s dedication to excellence.