Local throwing coach Rachel Andres has started a new track and field club in the community.
It's called the Olds Velites Track Club.
Her husband suggested the name. Velites were a class of light infantry soldiers equipped with small javelins in the Roman army a couple of hundred years B.C.
"It was something unique and seemed appropriate for a club starting with just the throwing events," she says.
Andres says the purpose of the club is to have a way for athletes to compete in track and field outside of school meets.
"There has been no track club in Olds that I know of. So I am taking steps to change that," Andres told the Albertan.
Once the snow melts, plans call for members of the club to meet outdoors, behind the bus barns adjacent to Olds High School.
"Any of the Olds High School kids who come out for school meets are welcome to join and continue competing throughout the summer," Andres says. "I am also offering (it) to any other kids in the area."
She says athletes of any age "from five to 95" are welcome to join.
So far, Andres is the only coach for the club. Since she coaches throwing events like shot put and discus, she's hoping other coaches will volunteer to coach other track and field events.
Andres says practices for the Olds High School track season will start as soon as fields are dry. School meets start in May.
