Forty-one Mustangs Track Club athletes have qualified for the 2015 Amateur Athletics
Union (AAU) Jr. Olympics, which will be held August 1-8 on the campus of Norfolk State University. The
athletes advanced to the national event after a strong showing at the AAU Region 5 Qualifier Meet in
Suffolk, VA June 26-28th.
When coaches Raymond Gee and Damien King completed their 2014 track season, they purposed to
make 2015 even greater. Together, the duo and their team of volunteer coaches have expanded the
reach of the club, which includes practice sites in Culpeper, Manassas and Fairfax. Although the club was
established three years ago, this is its second season competing in AAU. âIâm blessed to have such a
great coaching staff and parents that understand the dedication and hard work it takes to get to this level,â
states Gee.
As Gee and King prepare to take the club to Norfolk for the national competition, they are confident that
the squad will continue to do well. âWe have a great nucleus of kids,â said King. They are hard workers
and goal achievers, with hearts full of fight for greatness and it will all show at the Jr. Olympics.â
The following athletes have advanced to the national competition:
| Albert Barbaretta Nia Bigger Jynira Boxley Ananda Daniel Valdon Daniel Ania Finch Kyla Gee Chase Geter Michael Geter Giana Gilmore Jahlil Johnson Jeffery Johnson John Jackson Nia James |
Ashton King Coen King Camille McCain Brock Marine Adora Mbuko Allina Mbuko Khalid Mendez Aliza Murray Daenah Pressley Nia Robinson Sheldon Robinson Sydney Radford Victoria Reed Camden Roy |
Alauna Rutland Isaiah Sheppard Sydney Smith Xavier Terrell Evan Thornton Janae Thornton Phillip Tyree Isaiah Vick Sydney Vick Dimitrius Walters Malachi Williams Jeremiah Wright Thomas Yates |
Gee notes that expenses for the athletes to attend the Jr. Olympics are costly. The team will host an open
pool party at the Culpeper Recreation Club July 25 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. to raise funds for the
competition. Although they are conducting additional fundraising activities at various sites in Culpeper
and Manassas, Gee says interested local businesses may also contact him for sponsorship opportunities
for both the Jr. Olympics and the program in general. The public can also lend its support for the team by
visiting www.mustangstrackclub.org and clicking on âJUNIOR OLYMPICS DONATIONSâ. Contributions
are tax deductible.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditionsâno plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treatâit’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fĂšve (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and donât worryâthere will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But thatâs not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Yearâs wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. Weâre bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
Whatâs in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Pucciniâs âThe Girl from the Golden Westâ.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Pucciniâs masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
