HISTORY OF THE CLUB

KCKs Cougars Track Club is a non-profit organization founded by Head Coach Monroe T. Anthony and inspired by his son Monroe T. Anthony VI in Kansas City, Kansas. (See photo to the left of taken in 1989 of Coach Anthony & his son Monroe T. Anthony IV)

In 1989, when his son was 8 and "didn't want to play baseball anymore", Coach Anthony encouraged him to try track. Both Monroe and his younger sister, Molita, age 5 started participating in the "fun runs" at the Hershey's Track and Field Games while the Coach Anthony participated in Road Games.   In 1990, they started competing in the local AAU and USA T&F track meets. 

In 1991, the younger Monroe wanted other kids to participate with him,  so Coach Anthony started "recruiting" kids in the neighborhood to be part of the track club starting with 8 children. 

In 1992, the name KCKs Cougars was created, after John F. Kennedy Elementary School's mascot.  That same year, Coach Kurt Isabell, a fellow participant of the Road Games came on board to assist the KCKs Cougars.   In 1993, Coach George Mayfield volunteered to be assistant coach for the sprinters. 

The KC Cougars Track Club has been a member of AAU since 1992 and won many state, regional and national championships.   Over the last 18 years,  the club  has offered approximately 400-800 youth the opportunity to learn valuable life lessons like hardwork, dedication, encouragement, good sportsmanship and respect.  

Exchange of the Baton 

In 2008 Coach Anthony passed the baton and legacy on to the Kansas City Cougars. Although the name appears slightly different the vision and mission are the same. The Kansas City Cougars will continue to uphold the legacy of Coach Anthony. Thank you Coach Anthony for allowing the vision to continue and your previous years of dedication and hard work.

The KC Cougars Track Club continues to encourage teamwork, increase self-esteem, promote self-discipline and determination and motivate young people in their future development.

 COACHING STAFF

The coaches are experienced in their particular events, enjoy working with kids and try to make practices fun as they direct the athletes in safe appropriate training and conditioning. Our club has many talented, and devoted assistant coaches including: 

Monroe T. Anthony - Founder (Honorary Coach)

Coach: Kim Rollins  -  Head Coach/ Hurdles, Sprints (certified ASEP coach)

Coach:    Karla Pledger - Conditioning/Relays (certified Fitness Instructor)

Coach:    Renee Oropeza - Distance

Coach:   Milton Henry -  Jump

Public Health Educator - Alisa Smith ( (MPA )  

More to follow /Volunteers Welcomed

THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENT PARTICIPATION & INVOLVEMENT

The organization is a non-profit organization and we need every family to take an active role and be involved with the club. Be sure you ask your child for any handouts that may be distributed after practice.  Although, most information is emailed to the parents, parent involvement is the key to a successful track club!  

In addition to encouraging and supporting your athlete and every athlete of the KCCougars Track Club, parents must be willing to participate and attend meetings, special events, mini-meets, fundraising activities, etc...

PRACTICES FOR TRACK AND FIELD

Track and Field practices begin Monday, April 7at 6:30pm for youth under age 14.  Any youth age 14 and up will participate after their official last day of competion for the 2008 season.  Practices will run through the end of July and prior to the AAU National Junior Olympics.  During spring/summer track and field season, practices are held Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday at Washington High School 7340 Leavenworth Road Kansas City, Kansas from 6:30 until 8:00 pm

Athletes need to be at practice on time so they can participate in the warm-up and stretching period at the beginning of each practice.  Parents should be punctual so athletes are picked up promptly at the conclusion of practice.  

It is expected that athletes will come to practice ready to work and learn.  Practices are not mandatory, but all athletes are encouraged to attend as often as possible so they can work toward achieving their personal goals.  

Athletes need to wear comfortable running shoes and weather related clothing at practice.  Practice is held each scheduled day regardless of the weather.  It is important that all athletes bring a water bottle to keep themselves hydrated.

PRACTICES FOR CROSS COUNTRY

Practices for Cross Country practice will begin in September.  Practices are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday at 7:00pm at the Kansas City Kansas Community College.  

Athletes need to wear comfortable running shoes and weather appropriate clothing at practice.  Practice is held each scheduled day regardless of weather.  It is important that all athletes bring a water bottle to keep themselves hydrated.