Writer / Kara Reibel
In his fifth year as head coach of the Fishers Fire Youth Track and Field, Chris Norris has seen his club take off, like a sprinter out of the blocks. Averaging 150-200 kids each year, being organized is key to their success. Fortunately, aside from Coach Norris, there are at least ten other volunteer coaches who share a passion for track and field.
Norris graduated from Franklin Central HS, where he was a 1986 State Hurdle Champion, a 2-time Indiana All-State and All-American. He continued his success through his college years at Indiana State University where he earned five all-Miami Valley Conference awards. He even represented the USA in 1986, participating in the International Sports Exchange.
As a USA Track and Field certified coach, Norris has coached many kids who have gone on to perform in college. He is now bringing his coaching skill set to the kids in Fishers who also love track and field sports.
Track season “runs” from May through July. Having formed a conference with three other local area track clubs, meets are held weekly. The team members are in grades 1 through 8. Using Riverside as their home base, Fishers Fire hosts many of these meets.
The meets are held on Saturdays, typically starting at 9 a.m. and ending around 3 p.m. The sports include all of the track and field events—even the triple jump and javelin. The most popular event at every meet, however, is the pee-wee run, for preschoolers. “Watching 50 preschoolers run down the track all at once is adorable,” says Norris, “and they each earn a medal for participating.”
Even though most events (except relays) are based on individual efforts, Norris has created a team environment. “In addition to the coaches, we have created a mentoring system, where the older kids help out and coach the younger kids, offering a hand and encouragement,” says Coach Norris.
The track season culminates with regionals and the Junior Olympics. Last year Fishers Fire had 23 kids earn spots to compete at the Junior Olympics. Coach Norris estimates they will have 10-15 kids qualify this year, with the meet to be held in Humboldt, Texas, July 21-27. Best of luck to those who qualify and to all the runners who burn up the track!
Fishers Youth Fire Track and Field may be found on Facebook or by emailing Coach Norris, chris_nrrs@yahoo.com for more information.
