Seven young Draper athletes representing Wolfpack Youth Running Club competed with other locals at the USATF National Junior Olympics Track and Field Championships July 27-30 in Eugene, Oregon. Lucia Martinez, who was the 1500-meter regional champion, along with Michael Chen (100 meters), Cooper Hurl (shot put, 400 meters, 800 meters), Ella Kerrigan (400 meters), Gabe Martinez (long jump), Max Martinez (long jump) and Pedro Rodriguez (1500 meters) were among the Wolfpack’s 15-member contingent. “What an experience!” said Wolfpack president and head coach Rachel Martinez. “Everyone did incredible. Almost all of our athletes set new personal records. The competition was extremely competitive. The talent in these young kids is unreal.” Also competing were regional recordholder—in the 800 and 1500 meters—Kathleen Mullen, 800 and 1500 meter regional champion Trevor Dance as well as Cooper Bullock, Giselle Fehrenbach. Marko Jovanovic, Ria Jugade, Adam Moody and Khloe Pixton. “I couldn't be more proud of our young athletes,” Martinez said. “What a great experience for them to get the opportunity to run at the historic Hayward Field. For a day they were treated like elite athletes and were expected to act like them. They had to check into their events 45 minutes prior to start time, without coaches or parents. They were on their own, in this enormous facility, to warm up, find their marks for jumping, and compete all without the help from their coaches. They were true professionals and made their Pack proud. It's such a privilege to coach these kids. They never cease to amaze me. I truly love them all.” λ