Hillsborough JR Raiders Sports, Inc. Track Program

The Hillsborough JR Raiders Sports, Inc. Track program offers an introduction to the sport of track &
field to boys and girls. There will be two groups; K-3^rd grade which will focus more on the basics of running and a 4th through 8th grades who will work toward competing in USATF track meets. Our primary aim is to expose children to the multiple disciplines of track & field, and to help them gain an appreciation for what it means to attain and maintain a level of fitness. We hope to instill a love for athletics and a healthy lifestyle that will last a lifetime. We offer the chance to compete with other children of the same general age, at the local and state levels. Perhaps most importantly, we provide a sports activity that offers fun and friendship to all ages and levels of talent.

Coaches - If you have any background in track and wish to help please contact us at . There has been interest in having track be a year round program but we need people who can run the program. We are looking for 3-5 coaches with varied experience levels. 

2013 Practice will begin on Tuesday, March 19th, and continue until June 1st (end date depending on future meets). Practices will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Woodfern Soccer Fields (on hill behind Woodfern School), and tenative time on Saturday afternoons from 3:00 – 5:00 at the High School Track. Boys and girls will practice together. The coaches will make an effort to divide the kids into groups based upon age and/or ability. We have reserved use of the track at Hillsborough High School for our program. We realize that many families have busy lives, and that soccer, lacrosse, CCD, and other activities may, at times, interfere with attending track practice. Please notify a coach or director if you cannot attend. Due to the weekday practice location we ask that parents make sure they are available for pickup at least 15 minutes before practice ends. During the early months the practices might not run the full time due to limited lighting. Check the website for field closures or practice cancelations. We will practice in light showers depending on the condition of the grass and incoming weather during the week and on weekends at the track. Bring your own water and as the weather gets warmer bring plenty of it. A small bottle of water is not enough, hydration is essential for all sports regardless of age. It is also suggested that prior to practice participants eat at least 45 minutes before practice to make sure they have energy and do not get cramps. Eat healthy foods, no sugar, candy or sweets before.

This is our first year of official track and meets with other towns (Hunterdon, Voorhees, others) might be scheduled however that is not confirmed at this time. We will be having internal meets at the high school track as the season progresses. Based on the level and ability of our individual athletes we plan to participate in USA Track & Field (USATF)-sponsored meets, including the State Qualifying and State Championship meets. While we feel that running in meets is an important part of the program, we respect that some children might not want to compete. However, the meets locally and those with other clubs in the area are especially low key and fun. All meets are conducted by age groups in those meets – 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14, so kids compete against kids roughly their own age.

In addition to the running events (100,200,400,800,1500, and 3000 meters, 4x100 and 4x400 relays), we will be offering training and competition in the following additional events: hurdles, shot put, javelin, long jump, and high jump. Depending on the abilities of our athletes we reserve the right to limit or add events. Not all events will be taught every day again based on the numbers involved or abilities. We have identified a limited number of individuals with backgrounds in most of these events who are willing to help coach them; if you fit that description, additional volunteers are welcome!  We have the backing of the middle and high school coaches and they will train the coaches and those interested, this is the perfect time to be involved with your child and helping others! You will have the backing of a strong organization and the instruction and support you need. We will also need judges, timers and field setup/take down people. Please step up as this is an “all-in” group and family and friends are just as important and your support will be appreciated by all.
 

Registration is $75 and includes track shirt and shorts.
Registration and payment is online now or in person during February 24^th 6-9pm and 25^{th  9am} - Noon at the municipal building. Please go to our website at www.jrraiders.org and click on “Registration” and follow instructions for Track. (You’ll see more detailed instructions there).