Frequently Asked Questions:
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY TRACK CLUB
YOUTH SUMMER TRACK PROGRAM INFORMATION
What is the Mississippi Valley Track Club (MVTC)?
MVTC is a non-profit organization (501c3) offering a youth track & field program for boys and girls ages 8 to 18 years old. MVTC is starting our 27th year in 2023. The coaches have received USA Track & Field coaching's national certification. MVTC is affiliated with the Bettendorf Park Board.
What is MVTC’s philosophy?
Run fast and have fun! Everyone makes the team and can compete in track meets. Athletes are taught the mechanics of running fast, using starting blocks & field events. The goal is to develop the athlete and improve their performance through the season.
When does the MVTC track season begin and end?
Practices begin mid April and end mid July, unless the athlete has qualified for a National Junior Olympics meet held the last week of July. Senior High School track athletes can join the team after their spring school track season is completed.
Where are practices held? (SEE CALENDAR)
Bettendorf High School Track
3333 18th Street
Bettendorf, IA 52722
When are practices held?
Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 6:00 PM to about 7:30 PM and concentrate on training/running.
Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM to about 7:30 PM and focus on running, field events (Long Jump, High Jump, etc.), relay team handoffs, hurdles & starting block instruction. Additionally, practices may be held on Saturdays at 10 AM, which is announced on the website, GroupMe, Facebook and at practices on Friday. Practices are provided 3 to 5 times per week because we understand that your youth athlete may have conflicts or commitments. The more the athlete attends practice, the more they will learn & improve! Athletes planning to try for National Junior Olympic competition must attend practices at least three times per week.
How much does it cost?
The MVTC Registration fee is $150.00 for athletes 14 and under and $125.00 for athletes 15 and above. This includes the athlete’s membership fees for AAU & USATF and entry fees through the state or district meets, and a MVTC T-shirt. Spectator admission fees, transportation, meals and any overnight lodging expenses are not covered.
What track meets does MVTC compete in?
MVTC competes in both the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and the USA Track and Field (USATF) Junior Olympic track meets. Why both? This gives the athletes more quality competitions. USATF has stronger performances at State and Regional meets, but the National Championship meet results are almost identical.
Below are the levels of competition for MVTC athletes:
1. AAU & USATF local/qualifier meets: Held from May thru July. These are the majority of meets attended and are held in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. One meet is hosted by MVTC in the Quad Cities. All MVTC athletes can compete in these meets.
National Competition: (Three levels with advancement by performance)
1. USATF: (State - Region - National Meets) All MVTC athletes can compete in the USATF Iowa Association Junior Olympic track meet. This meet is normally held in Ames, IA in mid June (normally on fathers day weekend). Top six (6) running and field event finishers and top three (3) relay teams in each event qualify for the USATF Regional meet held in early July. Top four (4) place finishers in each event at the USATF Regional 8 meet qualify to compete at the USATF National Junior Olympics meet, the last week in July.
2. AAU : (District -Regional Qualifier - National Junior Olympic Gamess) All MVTC athletes can compete in the AAU District meet held in mid June, normally in the Des Moines area. The top sixteen (16) place finishers in each event qualify to compete in a AAU Regional Qualifier meet. The top six (6) individual running event, top five (5) field event and top four (4) relays finishers in this meet qualify to compete in the AAU National Junior Olympics.
Please continue to check MVTC's web site for the latest information:
MVTC WEBSITE: www.mvtcqc.com