Pacific Assocation of USA Track and Field

Note from USATF Masters Active Athlete Rep

A note from Latashia Key, USATF Masters Active Athlete Representative:

My name is Latashia Key and I was elected as USATF Masters Active Athlete Representative at the USATF Annual Meeting held in December 2014. Mary Trotto previously held this position and established a good foundation in which I plan to expand and introduce several new programs. I have met many of you over the last six years at various competitions and there are still quite a few of you that I don’t know yet I’m looking forward to meeting you over the next year during my term.

Briefly about me: I’m primarily a distance runner in the W40 age division but have competed in the 800m, 1500, and mile.  I am currently the President of USATF Indiana and have been a meet director for a variety of events including being the Co-Meet Director for the 2012 USA Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships in Bloomington, IN and the Meet Director for the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Trials in Indianapolis, IN. I have been involved with track and field since I was 10 years old and I am very passionate about this sport. I plan to help as many athletes as possible to remain and become Masters athletes!

As the Active Athlete Rep, my responsibilities are to help inform the Masters population about pertinent information concerning various championships from Regionals to Nationals to World events.  I’d also like to help solicit ideas and suggestions to grow this division, be a liaison should issues arise, and continue with the tradition of building relationships and friendships among fellow competitors. Lastly, I plan to ensure that all athletes have fun and memorable experiences! I am one person and every suggestion, idea, or issue may not always be implemented, however. If an issue arises, this will be directed to the Masters Chair and/or Executive Committee.

Please find and bookmark the USATF Masters Website for valuable information regarding competition.

Below are a few items I would like to address in this initial email blast:

  • A new email for Masters athletes to submit ideas, suggestions, etc.
  • A “Welcome Package” email for newcomers to Masters Track and Field & LDR
  • Upcoming Masters events
  • Masters Invitational Program

NEW EMAIL:
As the Masters Active Athlete Rep, I have set up an email for your ideas, suggestions or anything that relates to masters athletes.  Please add [email protected] to your contacts. Stay tuned for social media additions (Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

WELCOME PACKAGE:

If you are new to Masters Track and Field or LDR or know of an interested individual or friend please have them email me: [email protected] as I would like to send them some FAQ and important details as it relates to being involved.  If you are planning on competing in Lyon, France definitely contact me for FAQ as traveling internationally for your first time can be a little overwhelming.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

USATF Masters Indoor Championships
March 20-22, 2015>
Winston-Salem, NC
On-time entry deadline: before February 19 at 11:59pm EST
Late entry deadline: before February 26 at 11:59pm EST

USATF Masters Outdoor Championships
July 23-26, 2015
Jacksonville, FL
Entry information coming soon!

WMAC Outdoor Championships
August 4-16, 2015
Lyon, France
Entry deadline is June 1, 2015 (no exceptions!)
Updates will be provided until the conclusion of the Championships from a variety of social media outlets. If this is your first international competition, please email Latashia at [email protected] for a “Welcome Package” email with important details.

National Senior Games
July 3-16, 2015
Bloomington/Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
Early entry deadline: February 28, 2015
All registrations due: May 1, 2015
You must have competed in your state to qualify for the National Senior Games.

State Games of America
July 28 – August 2, 2015
Lincoln/Omaha, NE
Not all states are members. Click here to see if your state is listed. You must have completed in the National Congress of State Games to qualify for the State Games of America.

MASTERS INVITATIONAL PROGRAM:
Masters Invitational Program events are special competitions held at premier open track meets in the United States which showcase top men and women athletes aged 40 and up. Many athletes have heard of the MIP, but if you haven’t or wanted to know more about it please check out the link. The chair of this program is Mark Cleary if you have further questions.

SIGN ME UP – WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

  • Qualifying standards must be met in order to be considered for Masters Invitational Program inclusion, from a previous or current year, at a sanctioned and/or FAT meet.
  • The entry fee is 50% refundable is you are not selected
  • Entry funds may be available