Posey Wanner takes the lead in the one-lap race as Tess Gioia and Fiona Sacks run closely behind Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Boys and Girls Club.
Cody Englander
Staff writer
Tallulah Brown Van Zee
Staff photographer
Broken records and domination defined the annual Track and Field Day at Boys’ and Girls’ Club.
The kids were on fire throughout the morning, their blazing speed far exceeding the mild, 75-degree Fahrenheit weather.
Early Thursday morning, the athletes lined up at the start as parents lined up behind the fence for the high-octane 50-yard dash, 100-yard dash, 220-yard dash and 440-yard relay.
Surrounding fields hosted the standing broad jump, shot put, baseball and softball throw, basketball throw and discus matches.
In a legacy-defining race, Caroline Kilpatrick from the Senior Athletic Club broke the 50-yard dash record with a time of 6.81, breaking the previous record set in 2022 by just 0.06 seconds.
Records are meant to be broken, but the longest-standing record is from 1965 for standing broad jump.
No matter if Clubbers are running, jumping or throwing, the Track and Field Day provides them with a chance to participate in the event’s legacy.
“It’s a historical event,” said Club Director Greg “Coach” Prechtl. “It’s an opportunity for kids to test themselves. It’s a good opportunity for parents to see how excited their kids are to compete.”
Numerous athletes won multiple races — though Owen Kramer, Elizabeth Kilpatrick, Parks Zachry, Colby Chevalier and Elliot Pry were the only competitors to win three separate events.
While seeing the kids compete is special, seeing the community around them come together is also a special part of the day for Program Coordinator Anna Coats.
“One of my favorite things is seeing all the staff members come together to make the day special,” said Coats. “This is a team event to make it happen. Seeing our team come together — that’s special.”
