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:
The Junior Olympic Games lasts for an entire week and therefore, hotel accommodations will need to be made ASAP. |
PRACTICE LOCATIONS:
The Monday after 2023 Spring Break, athletes will practice at Ramay Junior High School. Summer track meets will take place on Saturdays only. The meets typically run on a rolling schedule which means they start between 8-9am 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. The state (district) meet is a one day, mandatory meet and will occur June 10, 2023 in Little Rock, AR. 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 Yukon, OK June 22-25. Next is the JO Games in Des Moines, IA. |
Potential Schedule
May 13-Runstars Developmental track meet @ Leavenworth, Ks May 20-CCTC Meet @Little Rock, Ar May 27-DeSoto Swift Track Meet @ Desoto, Tx June 3-NWO Jets Invitational @ TBD June 10-AAU District Qualifier @Scott Field Little Rock, Ar June 17-Open June 22-25-AAU Regional Qualifier @ Yukon, Ok July 1-Open July 8-Open July 15-Peak Performance Track and Field Tune Up @ TBD July 22-Open July 29-Aug 5-AAU Junior Olympic Games @ Des Moines, Ia New Members: Please include a copy of birth certificate and most recent report card. Please send form to speedmatterz1@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1311 Fayetteville Ar. 72702 |
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.
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 6-7:30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
What are the costs?
What are the age divisions?
8 and under 2015 and after*
9-10 - 2013-2014
11-12 - 2011-2012
13-14 - 2009-2010
15-16 - 2007-2008
17-18 - 2005-2006**
*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.
The athlete will compete in the age group of how old they will be on December 31st of 2023. Ex. If an athlete is 9 but will be 10 before December 31, then they will be competing against 10 year old's all season.
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 6-7:30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
What are the costs?
- USATF membership costs $20/annually upon registration
- AAU membership costs $16/annually upon registration
- Team uniforms are $115 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
- Backpacks and jogging suits with names are optional
- Total costs: $331
What are the age divisions?
8 and under 2015 and after*
9-10 - 2013-2014
11-12 - 2011-2012
13-14 - 2009-2010
15-16 - 2007-2008
17-18 - 2005-2006**
*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.
The athlete will compete in the age group of how old they will be on December 31st of 2023. Ex. If an athlete is 9 but will be 10 before December 31, then they will be competing against 10 year old's all season.