Track and field athletes in grades eight to 12 spent Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Nike Track & Field Center at the Armory in Washington Heights learning from preeminent names in the sport. Attendees came from near and far to hear about all different aspects of the sport and also go through a series of drills and practice sessions.
St. John’s University track and field alumni were well represented on the camp’s coaching staff with sprinter Leah Anderson, Olympic higher jumper Priscilla Frederick Loomis, as well as current throws coach Lexia Robinson.
“All the knowledge I’ve accumulated over my 11 years of running, I can pass on to a younger generation and give my own personal input,” said Anderson, who competed at the Armory many times as a student-athlete and is now professional. “You shouldn’t be too hard on yourself. I tell the kids, ‘Have as much fun as you can, work hard, and try to learn.’”
The camp coaches, among them NCAA, World, and Olympic champions, shared elite information. Bronx native Salif Mane, a 2024 U.S. Olympian, grew up competing at the Armory and won an NCAA title in the triple jump while attending Fairleigh Dickinson University.
“I went to this camp when it first started,” said Mane. “It means a lot to inspire these children. I’ve been in their shoes and I can tell them they can also make it.”
Bassett Thompson, director of track and field at the Armory Foundation, said the kids gravitated to sprinter Quincy Wilson, 16, who won Olympic gold in Paris in the 4×400 meter relay.
Wilson encouraged them to stay true to their paths. “You never know where they come from, their background story, but I want them to know there are no limits to what they can do,” said Wilson. “When you get on the track, clear your mind and just run. … It’s not just about winning. You’re learning a lot of different life skills and mental toughness from this sport.”
Although Raven Saunders, Olympic shot put silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, is from South Carolina, the Armory is part of their story, including breaking the high school national record in 2014.
“Being able to inspire and help once again the next generation feels like a great accomplishment,” said Saunders. “I’m super grateful to the Armory for having me back.”
