Kids enjoy SOAR camp

And they're off...

The annual SOAR Youth Track Camp, held July 23-27 at Sisters High School, attracted a total of 40 participants, ages 5-14.

Kids were introduced to some track and field fundamentals and got a chance to try out some new and exciting events, according to high school coach Jim Anderson.

"The two favorite events for the week were the pole vault and the sprinkler relay," said Anderson. "Everybody had a good time."

High school athlete Amy Cretsinger was on hand to help all week, along with coaches Bob Johnson, Jim Golden, Rick Johnson, and Anderson. Sisters High School graduates Shelly Greene, Nicolette Callan, and Cortney Ellis also made appearances during the week and lent a helping hand.

Ellis is a track standout at Montana State University and Callan will be on the Mt. Hood Community College team next year.

"It's great for the younger kids to see these high school and college athletes as role models," said Anderson.

Anderson, who coaches the jumpers and pole vaulters, let the youngsters get a feel for using the pole vault pole by doing what he calls "land vaulting," which allows the kids to swing on the pole and get off the ground a bit.

"I can give them quite a ride," he said.

Hurdles, long jumping, and sprinting, along with relay hand-off techniques, were all incorporated into the program.

Torrey Piatt, eight, concurred with Anderson's assessment of the favorite activities for the week.

"We did the sprinkler relay each day and it felt good to get wet and cool off," he said.

"The pole vault was a lot of fun, too."

The week culminated with four teams of six competing in a 400 meter relay, giving the kids a chance to put some of their new skills into practice and to test their competitiveness.

"Kids naturally love to run, jump and throw," said one coach, "so it's great to have a chance to introduce them to our sport where they get to do those things."