Long-running track program gets kids moving

If the kids say “I’m bored” this summer, make them do laps…at the Mattapoisett Track Club!

The long-running summer program, started more than 40 years ago by Maurice “Mudgies” Tavares, kicked off on June 23.

Each year hundreds of kids come to the ORR track to learn shot put, javelin, cross country and hurdles.

“This is a real track organization toned down for the age groups,” said Paul Amoruso, a long-time organizer for the club. “It’s good athletics. It gets them moving.”

Older kids practice throwing plastic javelins, while coaches attempt to corral the three- and four-year-old set inside the lines of the track.

"It’s somewhat difficult to get a three-year-old to stay in a marked lane," said Amoruso.

It's the job of 25 high school students to teach kids the the proper form and rules for each event each week.

ORR hurdler Eli Spevack competed on the varsity team as a freshman this past year and said he’s enjoying coaching the children.

“It’s a good way to do a summer job and do something I actually enjoy,” he said.

Hurdling is by far the most daunting track and field event offered at the club, but Spevack said he helps kids work their way up to higher hurdles as they get more comfortable with the jumps.

Kids with and without experience try the events at their own pace.

Trinity Pelletier, 11, of Somerset said she’s fallen down a few times in the hurdles but is enjoying the challenge of the club.

“I definitely wanted to start exercising more,” said Pelletier. “It’s fun, so I wanted to try it out.”

Jillian Langlais, also 11, has participated in the after school track program at Rochester Memorial School and said she’s finding her stride on the field.

“My mom and dad have always said I should be a runner because I’m really fast,” she said.

The program's success over the years can be measured in how far people come to participate in it. Kids from Wareham, New Bedford, Fall River and beyond are part of  the Monday and Wednesday night practices.

Nichole James brought her kids from New Bedford and said the Mattapoisett Track Club is a rare program in the area.

“They don’t have this everywhere and the kids love it,” she said.

Amoruso said kids can join the program anytime during the summer. The cost is $50 per child for the six-week program and goes towards equipment and paying the high school students to work. The club is a registered nonprofit organization.

The Thursday night teen wharf dances, organized by Amoruso and his wife Mary Ann (who is the club manager,) also offset costs.

Track sessions are Monday and Wednesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. There are also two meets during the summer.