The Mattapoisett Track Club ended another summer on the track Wednesday after weeks of running, hurdling, javelin throwing and learning some old-fashioned manners.

“We try and teach them proper track skills from the very beginning: Stay in your lane, the coach is always right,” said coordinator Mary Ann Amoruso.

Held at Old Rochester Regional High School, the program was started more than 40 years ago by Maurice “Mudgies” Tavares, for whom the track is also named. Amoruso, her husband Paul and Debbie Freedman took over the program more than 20 years ago.

Over the years participation has shifted in the program, which accepts kids from the tri-town and beyond. Amoruso said once there were 200 kids, but that was a lot to handle. This year 100 youth registered, and that's a much more manageable number.

The Track Club includes three year olds to eighth graders who are coached by high school and college athletes in all of the track and field events, from long jump and sprints to hurdles and discus.

Kevin Noone, a 2013 ORR graduate and rising senior at the University of New Hampshire, has coached in the Track Club for at least five years.

“It’s always good to see the kids improve,” he said.

Like Amoruso, Noone said an important part of the program is making sure the kids learn good manners and sportsmanship.

“I think sports is a great foundation for youth nowadays,” said Noone. “It’s something they’ll remember throughout their life.”

During “meet week,” the second of two weeks where the kids compete in the track and field events, there is a clear confidence born of the coaches' attention and patience at the bi-weekly practices.

Each kid, naturally, enjoys different aspects of the program.

Kathryn Gauvin, who has been in the club for four years, said, “I like to run.” One of her friends quickly chimes in, “She’s good!”

But Gauvin said shot put isn’t her best event. “I can’t throw,” she said matter of factly.

Many, like Zoe Plante, are happy to be outside and stretch their legs.

“I like to run and get exercise,” said Zoe Plante.

And whether or not they end up joining track in the future, that's really the point.