Euless Track gets ready for TAAF regional meet

Now is when the hard work pays off.

At least that’s the plan for the Euless Track Team as it prepares to compete in the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Region 4 Meet at The Colony on Saturday and Sunday. Athletes are attempting to earn a berth in the TAAF Games of Texas in Bryan-College Station on July 30-Aug. 2.

The team is celebrating its 20th year and has about 165 members ranging from 6-19. The head coach is Rodney Runnels, whose wife, Lisa, is the parent contact and assists with the younger athletes. Also, Mike Burton works with athletes ages 11-19, and Matt Adkins works with long-distance runners of all ages.

“We have so many wonderful parents and volunteer coaches who help us succeed every year,” Lisa Runnels said.

The coaching staff includes numerous volunteers, including Duane Tyson (ages 10 and under), Donna Bucknor (hurdles), Todd Anthony (distance), Carolyn Telford (high jump), Frank Agbemaple (long jump), and Sean Wesley (shot put and discus).

Last season, Euless Track Team qualified 30 athletes for state. But Lisa said the club is about more than the athletes, though they are the focal point in what is a community and family effort.

“This is a wonderful activity for all families. We instill teamwork not only in the children but also with the parents,” she said. “Sitting together as a team during track meets is a must for me because watching these kids bond and make new friends is very rewarding.

“I make sure I arrive at the meets early enough to find a location where the entire team can sit together. I urge the parents to talk to their children and ask them questions about what they enjoy best about this program.”

It’s also a program in which the participants continue to be a part of, even after they’ve moved on to college.

“Every year we have high school graduates return to give back to the kids on a volunteer basis because they truly enjoyed their experience,” Lisa said. “I feel it is important to make these kids feel special and loved because chances are they will take that with them only to share with others later in their life.”

Several members of the team have gone on to compete in college over the years. Perhaps the most notable member to do so is Matthew Atkins, who ran at the University of Texas.

Aside from the competition, Lisa said the best part of belonging to the club is being part of a team, or an extended family.

“Rodney and I have been part of the Euless Track team for over 10 years. We have never given up on a child regardless of their bad mannerism or lack of respect,” she said. “We view that as a challenge to help them grow into a respectful young adult. We really enjoy working and interacting with these kids, they are truly a joy to us.”

For more information about the club, visit www.eulesstx.gov.

Surf ready for regionals

The Bedford Surf swim team has completed the regular season. Now comes the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Region 4 Championships at Keller ISD Natatorium Saturday and Sunday. Those who qualify will advance to the TAAF Games of Texas July 30-Aug. 2 in Bryan/College Station.

More information on the Bedford Surf swim team can be found at www.BedfordFun.com/Surf or by calling the Boys Ranch Activity Center at 817-952-2323.

H2Oasis swim lessons

It’s almost time for the next session of H2Oasis swim lessons from the city of Bedford. Classes begin July 21 and run through July 31.

Class times are:

▪  Aqua Tots (no parent accompaniment, ages 3-5), 9, 10, 11 a.m., 30-minute classes.

▪  Guppies (no parent, ages 6-9), 9, 9:50, 10:40 a.m., 45-minute classes.

▪  Minnows (show skills from Guppies, ages 6 and up), 9, 9:50, 10:40 a.m., 45-minute classes.

▪  Dolphins (show skills from above groups), 9, 9:50, 10:40 a.m., 45-minute classes.

Cost is $55 for residents and $60 for non-residents, covering eight classes. Contact 817-952-2323.

Bedford-Euless Soccer signups

Fall recreational league registration for the Bedford-Euless Soccer Association is approaching. Walk-in registration is 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 18 at Bedford Public Library.

Registration can also be done online at www.besasoccer.com.

Hurst United Soccer registration

Regular registration for the fall season of Hurst United Soccer is now online. Also, in-person registration will be held Saturday and July 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Dick’s Sporting Goods at Northeast Mall.

Anyone who registers between July 26-Aug. 1 will incur a $25 late penalty and will not be guaranteed placement. This also applies to returning players.

Contact husaregistrar@gmail.com

Challenger soccer camps

Blue Sky Sports Center in Euless will host a British Soccer Camp July 27-31. This is one of America’s most popular soccer camps.

Call 817-545-2243 for more information.

Youth baseball registration

Registration for the fall baseball leagues at The Parks at Texas Star is underway through Aug. 16. Leagues include Rookie, A, AA and AAA for ages 3 and up.

For more information, e-mail pats@eulesstx.gov or call 817-685-1838.

Open-play volleyball

Hurst Recreation Center has open-play volleyball on Mondays from 6-10 p.m on Mondays and 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays. There must be at least four players present in order to set up the net.

Contact the center at 817-788-7325.

Weekly racquetball challenge

The Hurst Recreation Center is holding a racquetball challenge each Tuesday through Thursday from 7-10 p.m. Court 1 is reserved for the Challenge. Players wishing to participate register by signing their name on a form on a clipboard outside the court.

The more you win, the longer you get to keep control of the court.

To participate in the challenge, a person must be age 16 or over. For more information, contact the Hurst Recreation Center at 817-788-7325.

Water aerobics classes

Curious about water aerobics? Drop into a class at a Euless pool and give it a try.

For $10 (non-refundable), visitors can come to a class and see if it’s for them. Classes are offered for various sessions and prices.

The fee cannot be used as credit toward a card punch or membership. For more information, call 817-685-1666.

This story was originally published July 13, 2015 at 10:30 AM with the headline "Euless Track gets ready for TAAF regional meet."