Local Running Clubs

The Emrey Track & Field Association's primary task has always been to encourage the growth of track and field in the Lehigh Valley. It has been our policy not to field a competition team under the Emrey banner. We will, however, from time to time support an all-star team for regional or national competitions such as we did for the AAU National Cross Country Championships. We would rather see many local clubs develop around common needs of a group or community. Check out the information below to see if there's a club for you. Remember, training and competing is always easier and more fun as part of a group.

Review the brief description of each club and if the fit is right give the organizers a call and get involved. You're sure to have a great time.

This highly successful club is in its fourth season. The LVLTC is based in the Easton area and the ages of its members range from 6 to 18, both boys and girls. The mission of the LVLTC is "to provide boys and girls with the discipline necessary to achieve success in everyday life through the mental and physical training necessary to participate in athletic competition."

This club is coached by Tony Lattimore, Patricia Smith (EHS record holder in the 100H, 300H), Dave Queen and Joe Donahue. LVLTC is a member of AAU and USATF. Organized practices are required beginning in mid-April. LVLTC members participate in local developmental meets as part of their training schedule, leading up to participation in AAU and USATF meets.

The LVLTC focus is to direct young people into the path of higher level of competition. Reflecting the success of the LVLTC program, on June 19, 2000, the 4 x 100m intermediate boys relay team qualified for the AAU Junior Olympic Games.

LVLTC is a non-profit organization and is supported in part by the Shiloh Community Center in Easton, PA and by contributions from individual donors. For more information please contact any of the coaches at 610-704-6508 or via E-mail at coach1g@aol.com.

This club is based in Phillipsburg, NJ and is focused on youth development. It is currently in its second full year. The club is headed by Sal and Karen Adamo and Jim Sheridan. They run organized practices and a series of developmental races in May to get the kids ready for the Emrey Summer Season as well as the AAU and USATF Junior Olympic series.

Members are required to become members of both Emrey Track & Field and the AAU. The first membership entitles the athlete to full participation in the summer series and discounts at local running stores. The AAU membership allows for participation in the AAU Regional meets but more importantly provides the athlete with insurance in case of injury. The club is primarily aged 14 and under and includes some 100+ members.

Sal and Jim have put together and information packet for other coaches looking to form their own clubs. It takes some of the guesswork out of the process by providing athlete information forms and important contacts. Call Sal (908-859-2252) or Jim (908-454-1231) if you want to join or need more info on forming a club.

The highly successful Easton Police Athletic Legue Team reformed for the 2001 season after a one year hiatus. The club is headed by Charlie Hoch Jr. and Lance Wheeler. The club is supported by the Easton Department of Recreation.

The club started in 1999 with over 50 members but due to work conflicts last year its operation was suspended. The club works with youths from 8 to 18 years old. A regular workout schedule is part of the program with competition in the Emrey Summer program. Home base for the club is Easton High School's track. The club's emphasis is on participation locally rather than AAU or USATF JO regional meets. Financial requirements for joining are less than for the Stateliners.

If you're interested in joining contact Charlie (610-759-0193). You can also contact Karl Schumacher at the Easton Department of Recreation (610-250-6710).

A new club forming this year is based in Catasauqua PA and will be headed up by Joe Zemba. The club will be developmental in nature with structured practices. The athletes will race locally. Ages will probably range from 8-18 both boys and girls.

Joe is still formulating his plans but he is expecting to run some meets in April and/or May. The dates will be set so as not to conflict with the Stateliners Meets. Geographically it will pull athletes from Catasauqua, Coplay, Northampton and Whitehall areas.

For more information contact Joe Zemba (610-264-5306 or joez39@webtv.net).

Another new club is the Emrey West team (really an expansion of the Emrey-Parkland team of the last 3 years). In the past this small club has been based in Schnecksville and made up of Parkland School District athletes. This year the plan is to add athletes from Allentown and Northwestern regions as well as Parkland. It will be open to all ages since the coaches are Masters athletes who still compete.

The athletes will be required to join both Emrey Track and the AAU similar to the Stateliners. The club won’t host any meets but will hold regular practices. Plyometrics and track workouts will be part of the training. Runners will be encouraged to participate in local track meets as well as AAU/USATF events and road races.

The club will be coached by Marc Giguere and Kurt Zwikl. Home base will likely be the Parkland High School track. For more info contact Marc (610-799-0659 or mgig5050@aol.com).