Elgin Sharks Track Club

In 1980 the Elgin Sharks Track Club started when four students from Channing Elementary School asked 3rd grade teacher Bob Pleticha to help them prepare for a summer track meet.  When he started helping them, their friends started coming and there were soon 12. As of today, our team has served thousands of young athletes, supported dozens to collegiate scholarships and a few to the professional level. Our team would not be the same without the incredible impact of our coach and founder Bob Pleticha, who passed away Sept. 27, 2018. His legacy lives on through the athletes he trained and those who are continuing the team he dedicated his life to.

The Elgin Sharks Track Club is a non-profit organization serving the youth of Elgin and the surrounding communities.  The goal of the Sharks is to foster an interest in the sport of running both track and cross country while supporting the growth of healthy habits and mindsets. 

Our athletes come from many walks of life. Our coaches create an all-inclusive space where self-discipline, consistency, and dedication are of great importance and any athlete from any background can grow these skills. We are also responsive to the diverse needs of our runners. Our athletes are kind to each other and supportive of each other’s growth as athletes and humans, making our team a family that kids want to be part of.