Total Sports Development (TSD) invites track athletes of all ages to the program’s first ever “Speed Night” at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Yelm High School.
Since TSD launched in mid-May with the goal of creating more opportunities for athletes in the region, the program has successfully debuted cheer, football and track classes. Now, on Aug. 14, track athletes of all ages can show off their speed and receive coaching in their athletic speed events.
People can register their athletes for “Speed Night” at https://tinyurl.com/773bv6kc. Registration costs $20. The TSD meet will include the following events: 50 meter, 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter, 800 meter, 1,600 meter, triple jump, long jump and a “twilight 5,000” under the lights. Heats will be determined by age.
TSD head track coach Alex McIntire said that over the last several years, it has become evident that young people in Yelm and surrounding areas love track and field. He said that TSD’s track program is not a “win-at-all costs” program but rather a program that promotes improvement through commitment to a process in a team environment.
“I attribute this to the work of a collection of many adults in our schools and previous clubs in our area, who have worked hard to build a love for the sport in our community. I am excited about the opportunity that TSD is creating because I think we can now take the foundation that has been previously laid and bring it to the another level,” McIntire said. “This next level looks like individualized training plans that emphasize long-term development, while maintaining the fun and excitement of what it means to be a young track athlete.”
McIntire has spent eight years coaching cross country and track at Yelm High School, which have included five cross country state appearances since 2017. He’s also coached YHS record holders in the 1,600-meter, the 3,200-meter and the 5K competitions.
TSD track began gathering for workouts on July 1, and McIntire said the practices have been inspiring. He added that each athlete attending is there to get better, and that improvement is “already evident.”
“I love watching these kids work together to build each other up and keep getting stronger. We also have a very strong group of knowledgeable coaches who have the skills to build up our athletes,” McIntire said. “The combination of effective training and highly motivated athletes is proving to be something special. We have approximately 45 athletes training regularly, and I know that number will continue to grow as this group experiences success.”
With TSD track making its way through its first year in program history, McIntire said he has high hopes for what the program will evolve into in the future. His goal is that the program is perceived as a partnership with other youth coaches.
“Our goal is to send our athletes back to their schools stronger and more equipped than when they started. It is important to me that we maintain trust with other middle school and high school programs so that TSD becomes one component of the whole athlete,” McIntire said. “I have watched this sport change so many lives. Above all, the TSD coaching staff feels a true commitment to elevate the sport of track and field in our area. Getting kids excited about the sport and playing a role in their development is what it’s all about. That is the purpose of TSD track and field.
