SYS TRACK COMMISIONER RESPONDS TO PARENTS CONCERNS OVER SCHEDULING OF TRACK MEETS

Mr. Clark,

As the individual in charge of putting together the 2005 SYS Track & Field schedule, I can only say that at this point the schedule is not ready. The answer is a lot easier than the explanation but let me try my best to explain why it is not ready to date.

SYS relies on using existing facilities around Shelby and Tipton Co. that are operated by Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools. I have met personally with both and had several phone and/or email conversations about the accessibility of their facilities. I am again meeting with the County Schools on Monday @ 9am and with the City Schools @ 10:30 am at which time I will have a list of facilities and dates that are available. Some of the facilities are not available due to poor track condition or previously scheduled High Schools meets being held at those facilities.

We also have a budget that we must operate under and these facilities cost money to rent. You may not be aware that SYS has been unable to use and City School facilities for over 2 years now and there simply are not enough County facilities with dates available to manage what we need. I am in negotiations with both the City and County now to first contract dates that we need, enough facilities to manage our program and lastly to negotiate the rental fees, many of which have gone up 30% in some cases from last year.

It is a delicate and sometimes difficult procedure to get what we need in all three areas but I assure you I am doing my absolute best to make sure everything is done. If it takes a little longer to get the schedule out, I apologize for any inconvenience it may cause. God willing, I will have the complete schedule out to all the Directors at their upcoming Tuesday night Directors Meeting.

I hope this helps answer your question. If not, please give me a call and we can discuss further.

Thanks, Scott Krueger SYS Track Commissioner

Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Title: Get in the race and pass it on!

Read: Psalms 119:9-11

Written by: Jere Johnson (FCA Staff-Chicago)

READY:

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

- Psalms 119:11.

SET:

It was the first race of his freshman year in high school in the small town in Indiana. Was he ready? Did he train properly? Who was the competition? These were all thoughts that rushed through his head as he entered the starting blocks.

The 400-meter relay - a great race. Timing, precision, teamwork were all a part of this outstanding race. Was he worthy to be on this team as only a freshman and then have the responsibility to lead off? He has a great junior high career, setting 8 school records, but this was high school, the big time!

Set in the blocks, inside lane, judge's ready - teammates anxiously waited their turn to run, all hoping to finish first! Runners to your mark, set, BANG! They were off. The young freshmen dash ahead, blazing down the track. He could hear everyone yelling his name, wow he must be doing good. He looked up and his teammate was jumping up and down with excitement as he approached the crucial point in the race, the first hand off.

Just then, this young, skinny freshman realized one important thing. All the cheers and excitement were not because he arrived first at the handoff point, but that he left his baton in the starting blocks. He was so excited about his first race in high school, that he left without his proper equipment, the one thing that is needed to be a part of this important race.

Embarrassed and empty inside, he walked off the track. Yes, he finished his day of events, but he never forgot to start the race off right. He never left his baton at the start again.

In Psalms 119, we read "I have hidden YOUR word in my heart, that I might not sin against you". If not, we'll be like this freshmen boy who left his baton in the blocks. We need God's word each day to start our daily race off in the right way. But it does not end there. We need to hand off our baton (God's word) to others each day. We need to share the goodness and grace of our loving Savior to those we see each day.

In the end, the young freshmen grew up to have a great high school track career and set several records along the way, but one thing I never forgot was to leave my baton in the blocks again. Each day as I serve FCA in the Chicagoland area, I am challenged to start my race in God's word so I may be ready to pass it on to those around me, so they in turn can continue our race, God's race to His kingdom.

! God bless you as you pass your spiritual baton on to those in need.

SYS SCHOLARSHIP TIME

Do you know a former SYS participant who is set to graduate in 2005. If so, they are eligible to apply for SYS Scholarship moneys.

Last year 3 former Elmore Park participants, Kevin Sequin, Jamie Nabokowski and Josh Cooper won $3000 in scholarship moneys from SYS.

What are the qualifications....well its easy. If you are a graudating Senior and participated with SYS in at least one season you are eligible to apply.

For more information on how to apply, visit our scholarship link on the Elmore Park homepage. We also have some helpful scholarship links on our links page as well.

TIPS AND ADVICE FOR GRADUATING SENIORS:LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIPS

Attention Seniors and Parents:

1. Remember to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by mid-February. This form is required for need-based financial aid at every college and university.

Students and parents should submit the form online at www.fafsa.ed.gov after they request PINs at the same website. See your counselor if you have questions.

Even if a student does not qualify for need-based financial aid, he and his parents must submit the FAFSA in order to receive a Tennessee Lottery Scholarship, if he meets the academic requirements for the scholarship.

2. Remember to submit the CSS Profile at www.collegeboard.com if you are seeking financial aid from a highly selective college or university. Go to the website if you are unsure whether or not a college requires it.

Tennessee Lottery Scholarship.

http://www.state.tn.us/tsac/lotteryfaq.htm.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

www.fafsa.ed.gov

. Most Colleges Require you fill out this form.

CSS Profile: www.collegeboard.com

Other Helpful Scholarship Websites

WWW.FASTWEB.com

WWW.SCHOLARSHIPS.com

WWW.FINAID.org

WWW.WINSCHOLARSHIPS.com

KOHLS DEPARTMENT STORES SCHOLARSHIP OPPOURTUNITY: They Have $180,000 To Spend

Kohl's rewarding kids.

Kohl's Department Stores is taking names, which, if you're a kid, is not always good.

It's good in this case, as Kohl's seeks nominations for Kohl's Kids Who Care, recognizing young volunteers.

The nominees age 6 to 18 have a chance at gift cards and 100 scholarships ranging in value from $1,000 to $5,000.

To nominate someone by the March 15 deadline, complete a nomination form at a Kohl's store or at kohlscorporation.com.