Arkansas H.A.W.K.S. Summer Track Program

Thank you very much for your interest in the H.A.W.K.S. summer track program. We understand that you may have many questions and hopefully, the majority will be answered with the information provided below. We look forward to a very productive future together.

What is summer track?
Summer track is an opportunity for ANY student/athlete 18 years of age and under to compete against athletes inside and outside of their home state.  The competition varies from state to state but overall, is VERY competitive.  The summer season usually lasts from May until August, culminating with the Junior Olympic Games.  

The Junior Olympic Games is the ultimate goal for any student athlete.  There are two tracks to make it to the Junior Olympic Games: 
  • AAU located in Humble, TX this year(Aug 1-8) 
  • USATF located in Jacksonville, FL this year(July 26-8/1)
The Junior Olympic Games lasts for an entire week and therefore, hotel accommodations will need to be made ASAP.​
PRACTICE LOCATIONS:
The Monday after 2022 Spring Break, athletes will practice at Fayetteville High School. Summer track meets will take place on Saturdays only.  The meets typically run on a rolling schedule which means they start around 8am with the 3000m, then the rest of the events will occur.  Usually, the field events will begin first in the morning, followed by the prelim running events, then the finals.  The meets usually last all day and could end anytime between 3pm - 7pm.  When your athletes' events are over, you are free to go home.  We will gather as a team under tents to protect our athletes from the heat, and to also cheer each other to victory.  There are concessions, but it's best to bring a cooler with drinks and snacks.  Also, there are COVID protocols for each meet that will be sent out in advance. 

The state(district) meet is a one day, mandatory meet and will occur June 5, 2021. This is the 1st qualifying meet that is required to go further in the summer events.  Next is the National Qualifier (regional) meet, which is necessary to qualify for the Junior Olympic Games.  This meet will be in Centerton June 23-26.  Next is the JO Games, and the dates and location for this meet are listed above.   
Potential Schedule
May 8 - Stride Ryte Track Club meet in Kansas City, MO
May 15 - Norman Highsteppers meet in Midwest City, OK
May 22 - Arkansas H.A.W.K.S. Invitational TBD
May 29 - JA Championship  meet in Jenks, OK
June 5 - AAU District Qualifying meet in LR
June 12 - Eastside Steppers Invitational meet in TBD 
June19 - Arkansas H.A.W.K.S. Invitational TBD
June 23-26 - Regional Qualifying Meet in Centerton, AR
July 17 - YAM Track meet in TBD
July 24 - Arkansas H.A.W.K.S. Invitational TBD
July 26-Aug 1 - USATF Junior Olympic Games in Jacksonville, FL
July 28-August 7 - AAU Junior Olympic Games in Humble, TX
I plan to attend AAU JO’s since it’s the closer meet

FAQ's

Please note: .Arkansas H.A.W.K.S. Youth Sports is a 501c3 Nonprofit organization. For a sponsor letter, please contact us at arkansashawksfootball@gmail.com or speedmatterz1@gmail.com.
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Is there travel involved? 
Yes.  Most of the meets are out of state.  Parents are responsible for travel and overnight arrangements.  

How does practice work?
All practices will occur from 5:30-7pm throughout the week.

What are the costs?
  • USATF membership costs $20/annually upon registration
  • AAU membership costs $16/annually upon registration
  • Team uniforms are $95 and need to be ordered ASAP 
  • Entry fees (ranging between $5-45 per meet) must be paid for athletes to participate in the track meets - a total of $200 for the entire summer for entry fees
  • Total costs: $331
*All running equipment(shoes, spikes, running attire) and travel provided by parents (not included in the $331 cost)

What are the age divisions?
8 and under 2013 and after*
9-10 - 2011-2012
11-12 - 2009-2010
13-14 - 2007-2008
15-16 - 2005-2006
17-18 - 2003-2004**
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*Per USATF Rule 300.1 © “Athletes must be at least seven (7) years of age on December 31 of the current year to compete at the Youth Athletics or Junior Olympic National Championships.”

**Athletes who are still 18 through the final day of the USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships are eligible to compete in the 17-18 age division through that meet.  This extended eligibility does not apply to cross country events.
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The athlete will compete in the age group of how old they will be on August 31st of 2019.  Ex. If an athlete is 9 but will be 10 before August 31, then they will be competing against 10 year old's all season.
arkansashawksfootball@gmail.com or speedmatterz1@gmail.com