USATF Foundation awards Elite Athlete Development Grants to 20 athletes

2-8-2012

INDIANAPOLIS - The USA Track & Field Foundation has presented Elite Athlete Development Grants to twenty athletes, Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic and Chairman Bob Greifeld announced today.

"It's crunch time for these extraordinary young men and women athletes," said Jack Wickens, Foundation Board member and leader of the elite athlete programs. "In less than 5 months they will try to earn one of the precious spots on the USA Olympic team."

Athletes receiving $3500 grants include first time grantees Ben Bruce (3000 meter steeplechase, Crystal Manning (triple jump), Tori Polk (long jump), Jeffrey Porter (110 meter hurdles), Amanda Smock (triple jump), Christine Spence (400 meter hurdles) and Blessing Ufodiama (triple jump).

Repeat grantees receiving $3500 grants include Jim Dilling (high jump), Brianna Glenn (long jump)(La Mirada HS, CA 1998; Arizona 2002), Jon Ryan Harlan (decathlon), Becky Holliday (pole vault), Mark Hollis (pole vault), Yvette Lewis (100 meter hurdles/triple jump), Melinda Owen (pole vault), Jacob Pauli (pole vault), Mary Saxer (pole vault), Alice Schmidt (800/1500 meters), Jamaal Torrance (400 meters), Bettie Wade (heptathlon) and Tiffany Williams (400 meter hurdles).

Well over 100 athletes have been supported by the USA Track & Field Foundation Elite Athlete Development Grant program, many of which have gone on to compete and medal at the Olympic Games, World Championships, Pan American Games and other international competitions.
The Foundation Elite Athlete Grant Program contributes to the pursuit of world-class performances by American post-collegiate track and field athletes. Athletes must meet minimum performance and financial need standards to be eligible.

The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging elite athletes, distance training centers and anti-doping education. The Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors and from generous fans of track & field.

For more information, or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, visit www.usatffoundation.org.