Track and Cross Country

The Elgin Sharks is a nonprofit organization serving the youth of Elgin and surrounding communities. Our club is coached and managed by all volunteers who are just as passionate about helping our athletes succeed as the athletes are passionate about running. Our goal is to foster interest in the sport of running while supporting the growth of healthy habits and mindsets in young runners.

We prepare runners to compete at the next level, helping athletes reach their goals and stretch their boundaries. Many of our runners have gone on to shine on their high school teams, earn college scholarships and even compete on the national level. While we strive to win, we encourage runners to do THEIR best and require no previous running experience to join. We want all athletes to feel comfortable to join at whatever level they are at. All you need is a good pair of running shoes and a bottle of water!

We run year round! Our year comprises of Indoor Track, Outdoor Track and Cross Country seasons as well as strength, endurance and agility training in between competing seasons. Practices vary throughout the year but are typically 3-5 days a week consisting of weekday evenings and Sunday mornings. Meets throughout the year generally take place on Saturdays (though some track meets are multi-day events).

Prospective athletes, ages 5-18, are invited to come to a couple practices to see if the team is a good fit before committing. We’re positive you’ll want to join the team after running with us. Can’t wait to see you!

If you are interested or have questions please feel free to reach out via Facebook, Instagram or Email. Registration paperwork can be filled out online, see below.

Racewalking

With the help of the many parents, we have built a strong group of race walkers, some years as few as five and some as many as 12-15. Coach Diane believes the success of the race walkers is due not only to coaching, but the cohesiveness of a group that builds strong athletes through mentorship. The older ones leading and encouraging the younger.

Our success has produced many USATF J.O. champions who moved on to international teams as Juniors, now U20. These athletes have traveled to the following countries; Canada, Guatemala, China, Poland, Italy, Chile, Mexico, Peru, El Salvador, Bahamas, Oman, and Colombia. Our athletes have moved on to NAIA colleges such as St. Xavier, St. Ambrose, Judson University, and Friends University.  Three of our athletes have competed in the Olympic Trials.

The growth of any sport is truly dependent on the people who encourage the athletes. The Elgin Sharks is strong example of this. When our athletes travel to races, they are known and respected. If you are interested in learning more about the sport of Racewalking you can reach out to the Sharks email address (ElginSharks@gmail.com) and we will connect you with Coach Diane.

How to Register

To register with the team please click the button below and submit the membership forms online. If you would prefer to complete a paper version of the membership forms please contact one of the coaches. ALL ATHLETES MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR BIRTH CERTIFICATE BEFORE THEY ARE FULLY REGISTERED. This is needed to apply for USATF and AAU memberships/insurance which is needed to compete in meets. Once all forms are completed, a copy of the birth certificate is received and fees are paid you are officially a Shark!

The coaches use the SportsYou app exclusively to communicate with the team and parents. Once you have joined the team please make sure you are signed up for team access on SportsYou.