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30 Apr2020

Spring Track Cancelled + Virtual Mile

Grove City Athletics Club Members,

 

Well, this Spring has been quite interesting!  As you could have guessed, we are unfortunately going to have to officially cancel the Spring Elementary GCAC Track & Field program.  Slippery Rock University has officially cancelled their two all-comers track meets in mid-June too.

 

HOWEVER, we would LOVE for you to register your school-age child for the “Run/Walk a Virtual Mile” event.  It is on Wed. May 6 – commemorating Roger Bannister’s first sub-4 minute mile!  Register now!!!

 

Website:

https://avirtualmile.com

 

Virtual Mile Registration Page:

https://raceroster.com/events/2020/31299/a-virtual-mile

 

There are several registration options, including a FREE registration option (with NO processing fee).  Several of our club members have already registered!

 

Check out who has registered for the virtual mile here (participant list):

https://raceroster.com/events/2020/31299/a-virtual-mile/participants

 

 

We hope to resume our adult group training runs and also have our elementary/MS/HS GCAC club cross country programs, which started mid-July in past years.

 

Here are the April 2, 2020 Road Runners Club of America recommendations for runners, walkers & club running:

https://www.rrca.org/news-articles/news-archives/2020/04/02/rrca-recommendations-for-runners-walkers-and-running-club-members---april-2

 

Be well,

 

Grove City Athletics Club

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10 Apr2020

Ken Balkey - History of Road Racing in the Pittsburgh Area

Watch the lecture here.

 

A lengthy lecture, but a good synopsis of the history of road racing in the Pittsburgh area.
 
Skip ahead to 7 minutes to the start of Ken Balkey’s talk.  About an hour.
 
I’m mentioned several times.  You can tell you are getting old, when you are mentioned in history conversations.
 
Mark
 
S. Mark Courtney
Runner’s High
-----------------------------------------------------------------
 
Hi Don -
 
Thank you again for providing your Pittsburgh runners information last month.
 
Per our recent discussions and emails, please find enclosed the lecture titled, “Running in Pittsburgh and Its Local, National and Global Impact” that I had the opportunity to present on-line to undergraduate students enrolled in Pitt History course – “Sports & Global Capitalism” late yesterday afternoon.   Dan Holland is delivering the Pitt History course this semester, and he kindly provided me the opportunity to develop and deliver this special lecture.
 
Developing this lecture ended up being a bit more of a task than expected given the breadth of the subject, i.e., covering the history of running in Pittsburgh over the last 100 years, and the content sought for topics of interest was scattered throughout personal files, countless websites, books, and within information sought and kindly provided by others including yourself.  Sources used are cited throughout the presentation.  All slides had to be developed from scratch.  The other challenge was that the lecture had to fit within a 75 minute class period.  While the effort was more than expected, it was quite rewarding, particularly in uncovering new information and insights that you may also appreciate seeing in the presentation.  This lecture should be viewed as a "place-to-start" for such a wide-ranging topic.
 
After yesterday’s lecture, Dan suggested that we reach out to others for review and to see if you would want to update or add other topics.  I tried to include as many significant achievements as possible in the lecture, and I already know of others that could be added, but I ran out of time before the class started.  
 
If you would like to listen to the lecture itself, Dan has kindly provided a shared recording:
https://pitt.zoom.us/rec/share/ue9cMI3Lp1xIaIGcs2LFBJIqL4f4T6a80yMfrqcOzEvrx7k8wvwqSwCIsmb0Wo7p
 
My lecture starts about 7 minutes into the session after his opening remarks to the students about the overall course itself.   We encountered a minor delay in the first couple of minutes of my presentation, but it runs smoothly afterwards.  The overall length of the recording, which includes Dr. Holland’s opening remarks, is about 78 minutes.  You are welcome to view this recording.
 
Thank you for your consideration in reviewing this lecture, and I also forward it to you in appreciation of our friendship over the past five decades.
 
Sincerely -
 
Ken Balkey
10 Apr2020

April 3 Update - RRCA Recommendations for Runners, Walkers, and Running Clubs

Grove City Athletics Club members,

Here are some recommendations the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) recently provided and wanted us to send out the article to all our club members:

RRCA Recommendations for Runners, Walkers, and Running Club Members - April 2, 2020:

https://www.rrca.org/news-articles/news-archives/2020/04/02/rrca-recommendations-for-runners-walkers-and-running-club-members---april-2

For obvious reasons, we have not announced the final details of the GCAC elementary track program as it MAY not occur this year (we will have to wait and see).  We are hopeful that at least GCAC elementary (grades 2-6), middle school, and high school cross country will be able to start this summer.  Remember, programs are FREE to current GCAC members.

**For those Christian Academy MS and HS students and MS/HS homeschool students that do not reside in the Grove City Area School district, here is more information on GCAC MS/HS cross country.  Contact is Coach Ryan Wells:
http://grovecityac.org/index.php/youth/ms-hs-cross-country-track

Be safe and practice social distancing,

Grove City Athletics Club
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MARCH 13, 2020 UPDATE:

Grove City Athletics Club,

A few quick announcements:

1) Here are the minutes from our 2020 annual GCAC membership meeting  thank you to Renae Shawgo compiling the minutes and for all of those who attended!

http://grovecityac.org/index.php/announcements2/92-2020-grove-city-athletics-club-annual-meeting-agenda

2) As seen in the minutes, our newly elected GCAC Board Members for the next 2 years are:

President - SETH JENNY
Vice-President  BRIAN BUCHAN
Secretary  RENAE SHAWGO
Treasurer  HANNAH GILDERSLEEVE
At-large Board Member  MARK COURTNEY

3) We have not made a final announcement regarding the GCAC Elementary Spring Track & Field program because we have been waiting for approval from Grove City College to use their track for some of the practices.  The Grove City High School track (which we used last year) has plans to be resurfaced this spring (along with the football field) and will be unavailable.

HOWEVER, the coronavirus continues to spread and more and more schools are moving to online instruction.  Thus, if the Grove City Area School District moves to eliminate face-to-face instruction, we may have to postpone or not offer GCAC elementary track & field this year for the safety of our children.  Stay tuned for updates.

-------------------------------------------------
FYI - this is the TENTATIVE 2020 GCAC elementary track & field program schedule...

Mission: motivate life-long physical activity through inspiring a joy for running, Track & Field, and fitness.

Who: 2nd  6th Grade Students    When: Thursdays (2:45-3:45pm) & Tuesdays (6-7pm)

Thursday Practice Dates (five total): May 7, 14, 21, 28 & June 4 @ 2:45-3:45pm (behind Middle School)
Thursday Location: Behind the Grove City Middle School (we walk 2nd-5th graders over after school)

Tuesday Practice Dates (four total): May 12, 19, 26, & June 2 @ 6-7pm (GCC Track)
Tuesday Location: Grove City College Track

Wednesdays, June 10* & June 17 @ 6pm @ SRU Track (Mihalik-Thompson Stadium)
    Slippery Rock University Summer All-Comers Family/Community Track Meets
    *June 10 meet @ 6pm will include: GCAC Elementary Track Program-only 1 mile post-test!
    This will act as a type of post-program time trial to track fitness gained!
    Both meets are open to anyone of any age (bring the entire family)! GCAC-Discounted Family Rate
    More info: https://rockathletics.com/sports/2009/8/27/MOT_0827090210.aspx
----------------------------------------------------------------------

4) Our adult group runs continue on Sundays at 1pm led by Hannah Gildersleeve meeting at the GC high school track/football field parking lot. 

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

Grove City Athletics Club

13 Mar2020

2020 Grove City Athletics Club Annual Meeting Minutes

Call to order: A meeting of the Grove City Athletics Club was held at Mark & Debbie Courtney’s on Thur. Feb. 27 from 6:00-7:25PM. The meeting was called to order at 6:15PM.

 

In attendance: Angie Jenny, Renae Shawgo, Seth Jenny, Kyle Garner, Karen Senita, Debbie Courtney, Mark Courtney, Ryan Wells, Jessica Graeser, Brian Buchan, and Daniel Edmonds.

 

There was a motion to approve the minutes by Brian Buchanan; it was seconded by Ryan Wells. The minutes were approved. The Minutes from the last meeting may be retrieved here: http://grovecityac.org/index.php/announcements2/91-nov-5-2019-gcac-leadership-meeting-minutes

 

The following reports were offered during the 2/27/2020 meeting:

 

  • President – Seth Jenny
    • RENEWED USATF club membership renewed for 2020.
    • RENEWED RRCA club membership and Liability Insurance – NON PROFIT.
    • CORRECTIONS GetMeRegistered.com corrections made for 2020, adding PROCESSING FEES to the cost of registrants rather than the club.
    • Seth also noted the purchase of disposable ice packs for club med kits. Kits have been distribted to coaches.
    • There is a NEW GCAC LOGO (Thank you to Kyle Garner for the updated GCAC logo & “Empowering the Female Athlete” seminar).
    • ANNOUNCEMENT: GCAC Scholarship Application updated - $250 each (male and female):
      1. http://grovecityac.org/index.php/youth/gcac-male-female-scholarship-awards
      2. Due: Wed. May 20, 2020 – ANYONE IN AREA TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP – IN COLLEGE.
    • ACCUMULATION of RECORDS. Hannah Gildersleeve has started to accumulate past records since March 2018 for GCAC boy & girl team results (& boy/girl top 10 times per grade level on each course). Seth noted that there is a GOOGLE DOC FOR THOSE WHO ARE WILLING to help with the ACCUMULATION OF DATA. During the meeting, Renae and Karen agreed to help Hannah with grade-level recording of XC.

 

  • Vice-President/Treasurer Report (Brian Buchan)
    1. COACH BUCHAN REPORTED ON THE FINANCIAL STATEUS OF THE CLUB. Anyone interested in the financial records of the club may get the information/ report from Coach Buchan.
    2. There was a brief of the Amazon Business Account.
    3. Coach Buchan is willing to share information from the Google Doc if necessary/ need.
    4. It was not4ed that there are 86 renewed members (250 members last year). Membership is expected to grow in coming months.  

 

  • The next item on the agenda was the election of new board members.

 

 

  • It was noted that these are 2-year terms & members can run for same position 2 consecutive terms (then must move).
  • Board Member responsibilities listed in club by-laws can be found here:
  • Thank you to those who served March 2018 to March 2020: Seth Jenny (president), Brian Buchan (VP), Kim Hohman (secretary), Mark Courtney (treasurer), Michelle Beck (at-large board member)!

 

  • NEW Election Results from 2/27/20 meeting:
    • President – SETH JENNY NOMINATED for President / ACCEPTED
    • Vice-President – BRIAN BUCHAN NOMINATED for VP / ACCEPTED
    • Secretary – RENAE SHAWGO NOMINATED for Secretary / ACCEPTED
    • Treasurer – HANNAH GILDERSLEEVE NOMINATED for Treasurer / ACCEPTED
    • At-large Board Member – MARK COURTNEY Nominated / ACCEPTED

 

  • New Business
    1. Hannah Gildersleeve – Adult Group Running update
      1. Sundays @ 1pm meeting at the GC high school track (Forker Field) parking lot, AS THE WEATHER IMPROVES, MORE INTEREST 6-8 PARTICIPANTS / ANOTHER DAY TIME MAY BE ADDED AS THE WEATHER IMPROVES
      2. THERE MAY ALSO BE A WEDNESDAY EVENING TRACK WORK OUT ADDED.
  • DISCUSSON OF A KOEHLER’S NIGHT ALSO ENSUED. DETAILS TO FOLLOW.
  1. Equipment to be approved for order:
    1. Bee sting cream – Ryan will follow up with Megan Nash about bee sting medication.
    2. Epi Pen – Megan Nash will follow-up.
  • MINI HURDLES will be added to equipment list.
  1. Yes, rubber chickens will be added to the needed equipment list along with Turbo and ball/chain training implement.
  1. Discussion of concerns of parents for being GCAC members regarding children’s NCAA eligibility and possible conflicts. Ryan Wells and Seth Jenny will investigate further
  2. Elementary Spring Track Schedule
    1. The HS TRACK NOT AVAILABLE AFTER 5/7 due to renovations (May 7-June 2020).
    2. Possible dates: TUESDAYS: 5/12, 19, 26, JUNE 2 6-7 GCC TRACK
  • Discussion of possible time change due to GCCA kids.
  1. Seth will develop a new flyer for the changes in times/dates to this year’s program.
  1. Reminders:
    1. 2020 SRU All-comers Track Meet (Wed. June 10) – post-test 1 mile
    2. 2020 SRU All-comers Track Meet (Wed. June 17)
  • Kids of Steel 1mi & 5k (May)
  1. USATF Three Rivers Association Youth T&F Championships
  2. If members would like to become elementary Spring Track Coaches, they will need to get clearances here: http://grovecityac.org/index.php/youth/gcac-volunteer-background-check-cpr-requirements
  3. Spring used Shoe fundraiser May/June – Sneakers4Funds.com possible. Jessica Graeser will check into this a bit more.
  • GCAC Board will consider other fund-raising ideas.
  • GCAC Gear order – for Spring Track (open orders Friday, May 1, and Last day to order Sunday, May 10 (TRACK). ANOTHER ORDER IN JULY/AUGUST. Check on logo change before order. Hannah will help with Gear order and will investigate the addition of running gloves and hats.
  1. USATF Coaching certification: A request to the club to reimburse/pay for Seth Jenny & Brian Buchan re-certification, passed.
  2. Possible USATF Level 1 Coaching Clinic near Grove City – Angie Jenny, Ryan Wells, Megan Nash. Board members will look for VENUE TO HOST LOCALLY FRIDAY EVENING, FOUR HOURS, SATURDAY & SUNDAY.

 

  • Upcoming Running Events:
    1. Pittsburgh HM (& Kids of Steel) Weekend
    2. ALPHA OMEGA 5K / WALK MEMORIAL
    3. MARINE 100 RUN
    4. FLYING PIGS 5K
    5. 3/28 HALF MARATHON LAKE WILHELM GODDARD STATE PARK
    6. Kinzua HM & 10k
    7. Runners High Twilight Quad summer 5k & kids 1/2mi race series – dates TBA

 

  • Next meeting will be held in early July 2020.

 

 

Adjournment motion by BRIAN BUCHAN, seconded by KYLE. Meeting adjourned 7:25PM.  

 

Respectfully Submitted ___3/6/2020 ________by:

Renae R. Shawgo, Secretary

Grove City Athletics Club

23 Feb2020

Nov. 5, 2019 GCAC Leadership Meeting MINUTES

Nov. 5, 2019 @ 6pm GCAC Leadership Meeting MINUTES

(Seth & Angie Jenny’s house)

Prior GCAC May 24, 2019 Meeting Minutes Approval:

  • Attendance: Ryan Wells, Brian Buchan, Seth Jenny
  • Grove City Christian Academy Middle School & HS Cross Country with GCAC
  • Homeschool kids in GCASD area not competing for GCAC MS or HS team at this time
  • GCCA forms (sports conduct) + sport physical + Grading requirements
  • Approved GCAC MS/HS Cross Country
  • Finalized GCAC Elementary cross country schedule for 2019
    • Minutes approved

New Items:

  • Budget Report – Brian Buchan
    1. Reimburse Seth Jenny cost of MCAC Elementary medals ($74 minus $40 donation minus $15 cash from GCAC singlet = $19 owed)
      1. Motion passed to reimburse Seth for medals
    2. Approve USATF Renewal
      1. Motion passed to renew USATF membership
    3. Approve RRCA costs for 2020
      1. $200 Directors & Officers Insurance
      2. $2.44 per the number of household members for the $1 million Liability insurance
  • Renewal fee = 35 or fewer household members pay a flat fee of $76, or 36+ members $2.27 per household
  1. https://www.rrca.org/membership/running-club
    1. Motion passed to renew RRCA membership
  • $200 check for GCC XC has not cleared
  • GetMeRegistered Changes for 2020: All members present agree to adding these buttons
    1. Add check button - “I agree to pay any ADDITIONAL timer fees charged to the club as a result of the timer indicating me or my child did NOT return a timing chip or returnable race bib after a club event. (NOTE: this charge is typically $10)”
    2. Add check button for individual child & adult memberships: “I understand I cannot transfer an individual membership to a family/household membership later in the year.”
      1. Question about an upgrade option $15 for get me registered
  • GetMeRegistered Changes for 2020 – put GetMeRegistered processing fees on members (not club this year)
    1. Ask about how to avoid processing fee for donations
  • Same club rates for 2020 - individual $25; Household $40
    1. Have families pay for processing fee in 2020-motion passed
  • Review of Elementary GCAC Cross Country
    1. Roster issues
      1. Angie will take over entering names into Mark’s roster
    2. Chip return issues
      1. Not too many issues with chips
  • Review of GCAC MS & HS Cross Country 2019 – Ryan Wells
    1. Five kids in MS/HS XC
    2. $175 total in fees for races
  1. Next Year (2020) plan
    1. Maybe meet with elementary for some practices to reduce commitment time
  2. Costs for MS/HS; make them pay?
    1. Keep prices the same for 2020
  3. Tent? (Ryan got 3 quotes)
    1. $1500 for 10 x 20 tent (KD canopy), just tent with print on one peak (93#)
  4. Add 6th graders to GCAC MS/HS practice?
    1. Maybe not going to work due to disparity in group
  5. Coach
    1. Ryan Wells agrees to continue to coach
  • GCAC Indoor Track
    1. 2 SRU indoor meets-just leave it how it stands
  • GCAC Spring Elementary Track Schedule
    1. Days & Start times (directly after school? What about Christian Academy?)
      1. GCCA-310 for 5th/6th, may have their own track program
      2. 4th and under at 245
  • Keep time at 230-330
  1. Practice at the track-every other Tuesday
  1. Policies for kids under 2nd grade
    1. Parent volunteer coach-keep same policy
  • RRCA & USATF Renewals
    1. Approved
  • New Equipment?
    1. Bee sting cream
    2. Ice packs
    3. Epi pen
  • Extra GCAC Medkit – which coach should get?
    1. Renee for her car
  • USATF Coaching Clinics
    1. July 2020? Pittsburgh
  • Election of New GCAC Officers (2yr terms) at next General Meeting - check by-laws
    1. Another meeting to elect new officers
    2. February meeting at Mark’s
  • Kyle to update GCAC logo (modify current logo to 1 gender-neutral runner; rather than 4 runners)?
    1. Logo more inclusive
    2. Like the one wear the runner is part of the border, keep eagle same
    3. Keep font the same, but smaller, center font, maybe get rid of eagle or make it smaller
  • Adult GCAC running activities? Leader?
    1. Not sure if there is still interest, can bring it up at next meeting
    2. Maybe have a set meeting time
  • GCAC Scholarship – partner with GCXC/Track Boosters?
    1. Continue with scholarship-increase amount?, boosters??, who would pick?
    2. Table it for general meeting
    3. $250 for 2020-motion passed
    4. More advertisement for scholarship
  • Website Updating
    1. No recommendations
    2. Twitter-if anyone wants to take over for Brian-Hannah
  • Accumulate past records since March 2018 for GCAC boy & girl team results (& boy/girl top 10 times per grade level on each course)?
    1. Hannah and Mark with work on it
  • Date/Time for next General meeting with elections?
    1. February at Mark’s house
    2. New officers-see interest from parents

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:42pm

 

 

Attendance: Ryan Wells, Megan Nash, Hannah Gildersleeve, Renee Shawgo, Seth Jenny, Brian Buchan, Angie Jenny, Mark Courtney

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