7/6/15
LISLE, Ill. – USATF hosted two national competitions over the last week and TRA youth athletes were in the center of the action. The 2015 USATF Hershey Youth Outdoor Track & Field Championships were held from June 30 – July 5 and the 2015 World Youth Track & Field Trials were held on June 30 & July 1. Over 2500 athletes and an estimated 3600+ spectators visited Benedictine University making these events some of the most competitive, youth competitions of the year.
The week of competition started with the combined events and World Youth Trials on the first two days. The Trials served as the qualification meet for athletes, aged 16-17, who wished to represent Team USA at the World Youth Championships in late July in Cali, Columbia. Nick Wagner of Greensburg YMCA competed in this competition and had a strong showing in the 800 meters. Nick took 4th place in heat 1 one of the preliminaries, safely qualifying for the finals the next day. In the finals he finished in 7th place crossing the line in 1:54.45.
Later in the week, nine more TRA athletes participated in the Hershey Championships, formerly USA Youth Outdoor Championships, representing TRA member clubs – Future Stars, South Park Track Club, Valley Speedsters, and Greensburg YMCA. Several of the athletes competed in the finals and made the awards podium:
8 & Under Boys
Justin Prunzik – Future Stars – Javelin 4th
9-10 Girls
Dani Prunzik – Future Stars – 100m 2nd, 200m 3rd
11-12 Boys
Adam Reyes – South Park Track Club – 1500m 2nd
13-14 Girls
Maura Huwalt – South Park Track Club – Shot Put 6th, Discus 6th, Javelin 4th
13-14 Boys
Isaiah Melvin – Valley Speedsters – 100m 3rd, 200mH 4th
15-16 Boys
Michael Mehalic – South Park Track Club – Javelin 4th
17-18 Women
Julia Howard – Greensburg YMCA – Triple Jump 2nd
17-18 Men
Dominic Marshall – Greenburg YMCA – Discus 8th
The Hershey Company title sponsorship was a new addition to the Youth Outdoor Championships. They hosted a welcome celebration for athletes, parents, and coaches on Friday, July 3rd. Attendees were treated to a cookout, carnival and special guest appearances by Olympians Deedee Trotter and Lauren Williams. All registered participants received a commemorative NIKE backpack and those crowned individual champions in the 15-16 and 17-18 age divisions received a customized ring.
Complete Results for the Hershey Championships and World Youth Trials can be found here.
TRA youth competition opportunities can be found here.