Jefferson makes track camp fun

Brad Jefferson poses with participants from the Bob Jones Track Camp (Contributed)

MADISON- How can you make running fun? Bob Jones Track and Field Coach Brad Jefferson did just that at track camp for kids held June 6-8. This is the second year for Jefferson to hold the camp which is of course more than just running. This year 21 kids signed up for the camp.

“We introduce them to us, our teaching style, how we run practices, and show them that track isn’t all about running,” Jefferson said. “We had a run day on Monday, Tuesday we did jumping, threw the javelin, the shot put, and the third day we teach them about the relays, the handoffs, and the zones. We want to show them everything track has to offer.”

Jefferson, a former football player and track athlete, is in demand as a coach perhaps more than any at Bob Jones.

This next school year he will add assistant men’s basketball coach to his duties. He is also running backs coach for varsity football in addition to track and field coach.

“Track is growing in popularity because the way we are selling it is we have a position for everybody,” Jefferson said. “If you are fast or slow, we have long jump, pole vault, shot put, run the 100, 200, the mile. You work at your own pace.”

He was assisted at the camp by Ruth Battle the top 200M and 400M runner at Bob Jones. She also runs 4×100 and long jumps.

“It’s good to see them teach to the kids what you coached them to do, then you know they really got it.”

Jefferson had 185 in the track and field program last year. His team brought home two state championships.

Chase Fiddler, current state champion in high jump, works with coaches twice a week on his jumps. He also is playing basketball this summer.

“The kids don’t know how good they can be until they come out and try it.

Derrick Johnson also assisted in the track camp.