OPA-LOCKA — The preseason track team workout was long and challenging for the young atheletes ages four to 11. While the period seemed never to end, the first meet came quickly for some, too quickly for others.  On last Sunday, the Opa Locka Hurricanes Track Team arrived at the Moore Park Relay Race, 765 NW 36 Street, Miami, FL. They were ready to compete and their efforts proved successful.

Beginning in January, the coaches Anthony Taylor, Marlon Brown and Daicari Griffin of the Opa Locka Parks and Recreation Department assembled the young athletes to begin the preparation for a lengthy season of track and field events.

Basic conditioning, speed, technique and stretching drills consumed most of the month and were taught as the basis of each day of activity.

February was devoted to actual track and field workouts, with the basics performed at the beginning of each day.

The runners were divided in groups by distance and age. The practice included short and middle distance runners and shot put, long jump and other field events. While the practices were going well, the first performance-ability test was set for Sunday, March 7, at Moore Park.

On their arrival at the park, tension was high and the kids were ready.

By the end of the day, Coach Taylor applauded their performance, “All the kids performed well, they get better every week,” Coach Taylor said. Several of the atheletes were first time performers and they all met expectations. A few athletes won their “heats (race)” and set personal records for themselves.  There were also some outstanding performances singled out by the coaching staff. Among the notable participants were, Gregorianna Frasier 1st Place 100 meter champion, 1st Place 200 Meter Champion and 2nd place 400 meter; Dylan Taylor,  Ivory Aikens, Mekahi Marshall, Mark William, Bronze medal 9-10 year old 4×100 meter relay;   Ivory Aikens,  9-10 year-old 1st place 200 meter champion, 2nd Place 100 meters; Jordan Taylor, 13-14 year old 1st Place 100 meter champion, 3rd place 200 meter ; and  Lazaro Ravelo, 13-14 year old, 3rd place Bronze medal Shot Put.

The next meet will be held Saturday, March 14, 2015 at North Miami Stadium, 2555 NE 151st St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, beginning at 9:00 A.M.  The City of Opa-locka Mayor, Commission, Parks and Recreation Coaches and staff are asking the community at large to come out and support the City of Opa-locka track stars.

Opa-locka track stars.

For more information on the track meets, please call 305.953-2875.