Its that time again. Once every four years (Olympic quadrennium) I get to go through the performances and programs of Team Nebraska and make application to retain our USATF Elite Development Club title. It is a labour of love. Digging through records and notes from 2008 through this year, hoping to satisfy the stringent requirements necessary to receive our national governing body’s most prestigious designation.
The EDC program was initiated in 2004 when 12 of the top clubs in the U.S. were awarded the status. I’m proud that Team Nebraska was in the freshman class and we have retained the honor for the last 8 years. I’m also happy to have served on the EDC Council for the last many years, both as vice chair and at large member.
It isn’t easy though. And there is no “grandfathering” clubs in based on historical achievement. Its a what have you done for me lately application process. As a member of the Council I not only must justify Team Nebraska, but also have to consider the applications of every other current EDC as well as other clubs interested in joining. Here are a few of the criteria used for determination:
Please state your club’s mission and its philosophy regarding the importance of developing athletes after leaving our school-based programs and fielding competitive teams of open athletes in local, regional, and national events.
Describe your club’s success in achieving its mission over the past 4-years?
How many athlete members were listed on your USATF Club roster for 2008?
What will be the goals of your club for the 2009-2012 Olympic quadrennium?
What is the average annual dollar amount your club has spent for entry fees and travel expenses to competitions over the past four years?
Briefly describe the types of development and competition support that your club provides for its members:
Sponsors
Coaching
Training Groups
Access to Training Facilities
Competition Opportunities
Medical/Physical Therapy Services
What fees or membership dues are club members required to pay in exchange for any or all of the above?
How many National Championship qualifiers have you had?
How many Club Championship medalists?
How many participants in the USA Cross Country Championships (February)?
How many participants in the USA Club Cross Country Championships (December)?
How many USA Road National Championships participants?
I am sure we will have the Right Stuff for our application to be renewed. And I look forward to Team Nebraska representing our state, the Midwest, and the United States in the very highest levels of competition in athletics and road racing.
This is the principle on which Team Nebraska was founded. I couldn’t be prouder of our athletes that continue to uphold that tradition.
David Adams passing Olympian Abdi Abdirahman at this past March’s Shamrock Shuffle 8K Elite Team Competition in Chicago.
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