USATF-Minn. to Host Youth Clinic, Meet

Athletes aged 5 to 18-years-old have an opportunity to jump-start their 2012 track & field season with USATF Minnesota's Indoor Youth Track & Field Clinic & Meet set for Sunday, January 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the University of St. Thomas Indoor Track in St. Paul.

Coaches and elite athletes will be presenting techniques for starting, sprinting, hurdling, middle and long distance running, long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault, and shot put. Participants will be provided with opportunities to learn by doing and should come dressed ready to run, jump and throw. Following the clinic, a brief meet will be held.

Scheduled presenters include 2011 USA National Champion Triple Jumper Amanda Smock, a three-time NCAA Division II National Champion from North Dakota State University, 2009 USA National Champion Cross Country Runner Emily Brown of Team USA Minnesota, a four-time All-American at the University of Minnesota, former Mounds View High School throws coach Tim White, Hill-Murray High School head coach Chris Dallager, and other area coaches.

Cost for the clinic and meet is $10 for 2012 USATF Minnesota members; $20 for non-USATF members. More information, including a registration form, can be found at www.usatfmn.org in the Upcoming Events section.

Also on the Calendar ... Other beginning of the year events sponsored by USATF-Minnesota include:

-- Board Meeting, Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 6:30 PM at the Courage Center in Golden Valley

-- All-Comers Indoor Meet, Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM at the University of St. Thomas Indoor Track in St. Paul

-- Award Celebration, Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 6:00 PM at the Braemar Country Club in Edina

-- Indoor Track & Field Championships, Sunday, March 11, 2012 at the University of Minnesota Fieldhouse in Minneapolis

-- 8K State Championship, Sunday, March 18, 2012 hosted by The Human Race 8K in St. Paul