About
GCAC Registration Link
Search "Grove City Athletics Club" on GetMeRegistered.com
Note: there is no separate registration for GCAC elementary track & field or cross country - just register and show up for practice!
GCAC Volunteer Coach Required Background Checks
These policies are instituted in an effort to keep your children safe. Below is directly from our approved GCAC by-laws:
XII. YOUTH PROGRAMS
a. Background Clearances
i. Anyone working directly in a coaching capacity within any GCAC youth program (e.g., elementary cross country practices, elementary track and field practices) are required to successfully pass the following two background checks:
1. Act 34 (Pennsylvania State Police – Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History)
a. Website: https://epatch.pa.gov
b. Click: New Record Check (Volunteers Only) – this should be free.
c. Email a copy to GroveCityAC@gmail.com and also present the certificate to the GCAC Secretary.
2. Act 151 (Child Abuse – Pennsylvania Child Welfare Information Solution)
a. Website: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis
b. Create Individual Account or Individual Login (if you already have one)
c. Reason: Volunteer – Other – Grove City Athletics Club (this process should be free)
d. Email a copy to GroveCityAC@gmail.com and also present the certificate to the GCAC Secretary.
3. Exception: These two above clearances may be substituted with proof of current USA Track & Field (USATF) “Coaches Registry and Safe Sport” certification, which requires a national background check.
a. Website: http://www.usatf.org/Resources-for---/Coaches/Coaches-Registry/Coaches-Registry.aspx
b. Email a copy to GroveCityAC@gmail.com and also present the certificate to the GCAC Secretary.
ii. Background clearances must be validated/repeated every five years for each individual.
iii. Background clearances are not required to volunteer at GCAC youth competitions (e.g., cross country races, track and field meets, road races, etc.) as private one-on-one interaction with youth at these events is unlikely.
b. First Aid and CPR Certification
i. Current First Aid/CPR certification is required for all “head” GCAC youth coaches.
ii. The “head” coach should make sure that a First Aid/CPR certified individual is present when he/she is absent.
c. Coaching Code of Ethics
i. All coaches and volunteers agree to abide by the RRCA “Coaching Code of Ethics”.
1. Website: https://www.rrca.org/our-programs-services/programs/coaching-program/ethics
2. Coaching Standards: Competence, Integrity, Professional Responsibility, Respect for Participants and Dignity, Concern for Others’ Welfare, Coaches Do Not Misuse Their Influence, Responsible Coaching, and Resolving Ethical Issues.
ii. Coaches or volunteers found breaking this code or behaving inappropriately otherwise may be dismissed from coaching/volunteering duties and/or the GCAC by majority vote of the Board.
d. Coaching Certifications
i. While not required, anyone working within the youth programs are encouraged to attain a coaching certification such as USA Track and Field (https://www.usatf.org) or the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Coaching Certification (https://www.rrca.org/our-programs-services/programs/coaching-program).
e. The Secretary will maintain these certificates and update a list of GCAC members passing these clearances/certifications, including expiration dates of each.
Purpose
The Grove City Athletics Club (GCAC) is organized to provide a structured group for the purpose of promoting running, walking, track & field, and healthy lifestyles within our community.
Note: outside of the U.S., the term “Athletics” is a collection of sporting events that involve competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking.
History
On March 1, 2018, "the meeting of the Grove City Running/T&F Minds" occurred discussing one complex idea. They planned on starting a non-profit community Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) / USA Track & Field (USATF) club that would cater to youth, recreational adults, families, walkers, and serious athletes. Activities would include things such as group training runs, elementary programs, group track speed workouts, cookouts/social events, supported relay races, athlete scholarships, etc. Coach Brian Buchan had previously created the "Grove City Running Club" for elementary cross country, but we wanted to expand. The idea was simple – pool all of the available resources in the Grove City (PA) area and make it a thriving running/T&F community for youth and adults. The formation of the Grove City Athletics Club was the result.
Now, we want you to be involved!
Check out this early new story about us: Fun on the Run (2018, Sept 1)
Logo History
Our original and current GCAC logos were designed by Kyle Garner! Our first logo used from March 2018 to November 2019 is here:
GCAC Apparel / Gear
We are very excited to share what Hannah Gildersleeve has coordinated; a Grove City Athletics Club clothing order with HI Branding Inc. Anyone is welcome to order!
Click here: Grove City Athletics Club Online Store with HI - Branding
Order Notes:
The black singlets (i.e., running jerseys) or black t-shirts (long and short-sleeve) are our "Competition" tops. You can wear your own black shorts, or purchase some.
Uniforms are not required! In other words, NONE of this gear is required to compete in Grove City Athletics Club events (except for USATF meets).
Note the items that include Youth size options or Women's-specific cuts.
Most of these items are 100% Polyester moisture management/antimicrobial performance fabric (i.e., non-cotton); materials listed in descriptions.
We hope that you will represent GCAC wearing this gear around town, when competing at road races or track meets, and when supporting our GCAC elementary kids at track and cross country meets!
We do about two mass GCAC Gear orders each year, so order now!
**If you have questions, contact Kristen Hovis, Hi Branding Inc., khovis@hibrandinginc.com, 724-264-5526, or email: GroveCityAC@gmail.com
GCAC By-laws
GCAC Coach Interviews
Contact Us
For more information about the Grove City Athletics Club, contact us at GroveCityAC@gmail.com
Also, check out our Public Facebook Page
GCAC Board Members
Dr. Seth Jenny
President & Head Coach
Cara Rumbaugh
Vice-President
Hannah Gildersleeve
Treasurer & Adult Group Run Coordinator
Mandie Buxton
Secretary
S. Mark Courtney
At-large Board Member
GCAC Volunteer Coaches
Seth Jenny
USATF Level 2 Coach (Youth Specialization)
Ryan Wells
USATF Cross Country Specialist Coach
Angie Jenny
Former XC/Track athlete at Grove City College
Hannah Gildersleeve
Boston Marathon Qualifier
Shannon Baker
Chrissy Hayes
Former Track & Field Jumper
Dorene Powell
Cara Rumbaugh
Former XC/Track athlete at Grove City College
Chuck Jaskowak
Former NCAA D1 Javelin thrower (U of FL)
Mandie Buxton
Grove City Middle School Track & Field Coach
Evan Guiney
Former Collegiate Distance Runner
Jen Hindman
Physical Therapist
Curt Buckley
Kristen Slivka
Amanda Krise
Ultramarathoner
Josh Jones
NCAA Division 1 Runner
Panayiota Hall
Megan Benton
Robin Springirth
Slippery Rock HS Jumps Coach
Loni Thomas
Tameika Griffin
Kate Jordan
Karyn Senita
Sophia Slivka
GCHS Thrower
Adam Stillwaggon
Former GCHS XC Runner
While not all of our coaches are listed here - thank you to all who have helped!!!
**We would love to have you as a Volunteer Coach too! No experience necessary; only a background check is required (see above tab); If interested, email GroveCityAC@gmail.com
Some Past GCAC Volunteer Coaches
Nicole Gardner
Jillian Stringfellow
Rachel Verbois
Marnie Brooks
Brodie Whitley
Rachel & Charlie Mullins
Renae Shawgo
Megan Nash