Hershey Blaze Track Club "new" outdoor programs format
Q & A
Many have become used to our traditional outdoor track program and some are simply new to HBTC and youth track in general. We've decided to post some of the questions that we've had regarding this new structure to the club for your benefit. Hopefully this page will answer some of your questions.
Q: What is the difference between Spring Developmental Track and Summer Competition Track?
A: At the conclusion of the 2014 outdoor season, the Hershey Track and Field Games ended its national partnership with area parks and recreation departments. While there were minimal opportunities for kids to participate in rec programs already, the active programs now have nowhere to go with their teams and have since folded. Our spring program now replaces this short period of time where kids previously trained and benefited from running, jumping and throwing instruction.
Our summer program will stay as is and will start up at the conclusion of the spring. In fact, there will be a short overlap of the 2 seasons at the beginning of May. The summer season will see some additional athletes who may practice in different locations competition through rec & community partnerships who only compete in the spring.
Q: Who is spring developmental track for?
A: The spring developmental program is primarily for all kids ages 6-14. However, most kids in 7th & 8th grades can run for their school teams. We do not wish to take the place of your school team in the spring.
Q: Can I register for spring only or summer only?
A: Yes. You do not have to commit to both seasons. We are just presenting the option to extend training earlier into April where previously we did not start until early May. Also, competitive outdoor track can be intimidating for many- especially if you’ve never done it. Spring developmental will give these younger athletes exposure and a few low key meets before actually deciding to get into the heavy competition that we typically see in USATF/AAU meets.
Q: When is registration?
A: Registration is now open for both spring and summer and will remain open until March 31st. Like other track clubs, we have always begun registration in March for the summer and will continue to do so. It is more important than ever now to register in March because our summer uniform is a custom, compression singlet and takes up to 5 weeks to produce/ deliver. We want to have them ready by the 1st major outdoor competitions.
Q: Will there be any meets for Spring Developmental Track?
A: Yes. This is something very new for our area in general. We are developing a developmental series of 2-4 meets. They are still in the works as track usage is very limited. We already have 2 of those meets locked in and expect the schedule to be up by the end of March. We will also be hosting our 1st Annual Blaze TrackFest Invitational on April 11th kicking off our outdoor seasons open to all.
Q: If I miss March registration will I still be able to join Hershey Blaze Track Club?
A: Yes. We typically have several that learn about us later on in the spring and have been able to accommodate them recognizing that youth track is still very new to Central PA. We will likely offer a 2nd round of registration with a closing date of no later than May 8th to accommodate those running for middle and high school teams. We cannot however guarantee that their singlets will arrive before the June major competitions. Therefore we strongly recommend that you register in March.
Q: Is the spring uniform the same as the summer uniform?
A: No. There is no spring uniform. We will have a HBTC dryfit T-Shirt for the Spring Developmental program participants. Summer uniform will
consist of a custom made compression singlet as part of your registration. Shorts must be purchased separately and you may choose the style that suits you. USATF rules requires that team uniform colors must match; therefore, we will be offering a few styles at a discounted rate at the time of registration and on our website. Relays will be permitted to purchase printed tights/ shorts but must be approved by Coach Paynter.
Q: I am confused about registering for spring track in Mechanicsburg. Will that be the same as registering in Hershey?
A: No. Mechanicsburg has always offered a track program through their rec dept. for the now former Hershey Track & Field Games. Others have as well. Since the games have gone away Mechanicsburg has now opened their program up to other areas that closed down their programs and have partnered with HBTC to give kids more opportunity to run after they are done. We are now offering a spring program as well and will give kids the chance to compete with Mechanicsburg and others through our developmental series.
Q: Will there be summer practice in Mechanicsburg for Hershey Blaze Track Club?
A: Yes. It is our plan to offer a practice site on the West Shore. The location has yet to be determined but will be announced soon. Practices
will be Monday and Wednesday. Practices in Hershey will be Tuesday and Thursday.
Q: I run for a spring track program elsewhere (e.g., my school or another rec team). Can I still run for Hershey Blaze Track Club in the summer?
A: Absolutely! We welcome you to join HBTC after the completion of your season. You will find USATF/AAU competition to be rewarding and
fun throughout the summer months.
A: At the conclusion of the 2014 outdoor season, the Hershey Track and Field Games ended its national partnership with area parks and recreation departments. While there were minimal opportunities for kids to participate in rec programs already, the active programs now have nowhere to go with their teams and have since folded. Our spring program now replaces this short period of time where kids previously trained and benefited from running, jumping and throwing instruction.
Our summer program will stay as is and will start up at the conclusion of the spring. In fact, there will be a short overlap of the 2 seasons at the beginning of May. The summer season will see some additional athletes who may practice in different locations competition through rec & community partnerships who only compete in the spring.
Q: Who is spring developmental track for?
A: The spring developmental program is primarily for all kids ages 6-14. However, most kids in 7th & 8th grades can run for their school teams. We do not wish to take the place of your school team in the spring.
Q: Can I register for spring only or summer only?
A: Yes. You do not have to commit to both seasons. We are just presenting the option to extend training earlier into April where previously we did not start until early May. Also, competitive outdoor track can be intimidating for many- especially if you’ve never done it. Spring developmental will give these younger athletes exposure and a few low key meets before actually deciding to get into the heavy competition that we typically see in USATF/AAU meets.
Q: When is registration?
A: Registration is now open for both spring and summer and will remain open until March 31st. Like other track clubs, we have always begun registration in March for the summer and will continue to do so. It is more important than ever now to register in March because our summer uniform is a custom, compression singlet and takes up to 5 weeks to produce/ deliver. We want to have them ready by the 1st major outdoor competitions.
Q: Will there be any meets for Spring Developmental Track?
A: Yes. This is something very new for our area in general. We are developing a developmental series of 2-4 meets. They are still in the works as track usage is very limited. We already have 2 of those meets locked in and expect the schedule to be up by the end of March. We will also be hosting our 1st Annual Blaze TrackFest Invitational on April 11th kicking off our outdoor seasons open to all.
Q: If I miss March registration will I still be able to join Hershey Blaze Track Club?
A: Yes. We typically have several that learn about us later on in the spring and have been able to accommodate them recognizing that youth track is still very new to Central PA. We will likely offer a 2nd round of registration with a closing date of no later than May 8th to accommodate those running for middle and high school teams. We cannot however guarantee that their singlets will arrive before the June major competitions. Therefore we strongly recommend that you register in March.
Q: Is the spring uniform the same as the summer uniform?
A: No. There is no spring uniform. We will have a HBTC dryfit T-Shirt for the Spring Developmental program participants. Summer uniform will
consist of a custom made compression singlet as part of your registration. Shorts must be purchased separately and you may choose the style that suits you. USATF rules requires that team uniform colors must match; therefore, we will be offering a few styles at a discounted rate at the time of registration and on our website. Relays will be permitted to purchase printed tights/ shorts but must be approved by Coach Paynter.
Q: I am confused about registering for spring track in Mechanicsburg. Will that be the same as registering in Hershey?
A: No. Mechanicsburg has always offered a track program through their rec dept. for the now former Hershey Track & Field Games. Others have as well. Since the games have gone away Mechanicsburg has now opened their program up to other areas that closed down their programs and have partnered with HBTC to give kids more opportunity to run after they are done. We are now offering a spring program as well and will give kids the chance to compete with Mechanicsburg and others through our developmental series.
Q: Will there be summer practice in Mechanicsburg for Hershey Blaze Track Club?
A: Yes. It is our plan to offer a practice site on the West Shore. The location has yet to be determined but will be announced soon. Practices
will be Monday and Wednesday. Practices in Hershey will be Tuesday and Thursday.
Q: I run for a spring track program elsewhere (e.g., my school or another rec team). Can I still run for Hershey Blaze Track Club in the summer?
A: Absolutely! We welcome you to join HBTC after the completion of your season. You will find USATF/AAU competition to be rewarding and
fun throughout the summer months.
