Press Releases

2023 Cross Country Season Summary
The cross-country season started in September with our registration meeting and first practice. Later in the month, we had a fun practice at New Smyrna Beach with pizza afterwards. Other practices were at Sanlando Park, Merrill Park, Forest City Elementary
and Martin L King Park in Winter Park.

In October, one of the first races of the season was the qualifier at Holloway Park where several Gliders qualified for the Florida Middle School State Championships. Later in the month, the Gliders hosted their annual cross country meet at Forest City Elementary for the second year in a row instead of Sanlando Park where we have had the race for years. This year it was an invitational sanctioned by USATF again rather than AAU and was a qualifier for the Middle School Championships.  

Several Gliders performed well in the FLYRA Middle School State Championships while several high school Gliders competed in the district and regional championships. One Glider ran in the high school cross-country state championships in their freshman year!

The first week of December, seven Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross-Country Championships which this year was back in Tallahassee at Apalachee Regional Park where the Gliders competed in 2020. Two (2) Gliders medaled by finishing in the top 25 of their respective age groups.

While in Tallahassee the team visited the Dan Foss Compressor company, one of the fastest growing industrial companies in the country. The kids were exposed to the latest technology for climate control around the world. The club also visited the Domi Station, an entrepreneurial incubator, where the kids learned how incubators help newly formed businesses with operating space and advice. The Gliders had an Olive Garden catered pre-race dinner at the hotel and Carrabba’s catered our party after the races.

The club bought Thanksgiving dinner for a local family and shopped for presents food, and necessities to support two local families during the Christmas holiday. The club also donated to a program that gives necessities to the homeless on the street as well as donated to several food banks.

Sincere thanks to the Track Shack Foundation, Benevity, Help Kids Play Sports, Publix,  Charles Swabb, Carrabba’s as well as several individual and alumni donors for supporting our cross-country team and charitable efforts this season. www.cfgliders.com

Contact: info@cfgliders.com 
Coaches: Steve McCarthy, Kamal Wise, Neamen Wise, Craig Wise

NEWS RELEASE For immediate release:  December 2, 2023
Central Florida Gliders Bring Home medals from the Cross-Country Championships
Altamonte Springs, FL – Seven runners from the Central Florida Gliders Cross Country team competed at the 2023 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Cross-Country Championships held at the Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, one of the best cross-country courses in the country. The club previously competed on this course in 2020. “The meet was almost cancelled as the weather was real bad in the morning and it rained all day creating a lot of mud which made the course very difficult.” said Craig Wise, Head coach and Executive Director.

Two Gliders (2) in their first national race, were awarded medals by finishing in the top 25 of their age group races. Kiley Wise was the top finisher for the Gliders, finishing 13^th in the 6 and under division 1k race. while her cousin Amaya Henry finished 23^rd in the same race.

Other Gliders running in Tallahassee were Capri Caldwell and Aaliyah Solon competing in their first cross country nationals in the 10-year-old girls 3k race. Also competing in the 3k race was Courtney McCarthy in the 11-year-old girls division and Amare Henry in the Boys 11-year-old age division and Noah Wise an 8-year-old in the 3k race. Meghan McCarthy and Elin Anderson competed in the 4k girls combined 13-14 girls age division.

Many thanks go to all our sponsors and donors who helped to make this trip possible. Complete results for the AAU national races can be found at: live.pttiming.com or aausport.org

Coach Wise founded the Central Florida Gliders in 1989, and the club has been attending national cross-country championships since 1990. A long-standing member of both USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the oldest youth running club serving the Central Florida area for more than thirty (30) years.

The club is operated by volunteer coaches and administrators producing individual and team national champions while promoting an active, healthy lifestyle, and emphasizing community service as well as academic responsibility. More information about the Gliders’ programs, history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com
Central Florida Gliders
P.O. Box 161965
Altamonte Springs, FL  32716
Contact: info@cfgliders.com

2023 Track Season Summary
The 2023 track season started with conditioning in February and the first practice and the annual registration meeting the first week in March. In April, several high school Gliders competed and qualified for the regional and state high school championships, winning two medals at state.

In June, the Gliders competed in the district and regional AAU and USATF meets qualifying 13 athletes to the AAU Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa and the USATF Nationals in Eugene, Oregon.

In July at Eugene, a Glider medaled in sixth place in the decathlon at the USATF Jr Olympics. It has been over 10 years since the Gliders competed at Hayword Field. At the 2023 USA National Championships in Eugene, a former Glider again won the national championship in the triple jump and qualified for the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

At the AAU Nationals in Des Moines, 4 of our athletes competed and set several personal records. It has also been 10 years since the Gliders competed at Drake Stadium.

We had the season-ending party at Jimmy Hulas and continued our community service program by donating to several food banks and organizations that help the homeless. Many thanks to the Track Shack, Publix, Help Kids play Sports, Amazon, Lake Brantley High School, and all of our other sponsors, alumni and supporters who helped out this season.

Central Florida Gliders Track Club
PO Box 161965 Altamonte Springs 32716
Contact: info@cfgliders.com  

NEWS RELEASE For immediate release:  August 5, 2023
Central Florida Gliders Travel to Multiple National Championships

July 24^th – July 27^TH  
Two (2) athletes from the Central Florida Gliders Track and Field team traveled to the newly renovated Hayward field in Eugene, Oregon to compete in the 2023 USATF Jr Olympic National Track & Field Championships. Connor McCarthy of Longwood competed in the 15-16 boys age group and medaled in the decathlon scoring PRs in 6 events to stand on the podium in 6^th place. In the girl’s 13-14 age division, his sister, Meghan competed in the 1500 meters. Results at https://live.athletictiming.net/meets/26447/events

At the AAU National Track Champions ships in Des Moines, Iowa, four (4) Gliders competed from July 29 to August 5^th at the Drake Stadium, home of the Drake Relays. Nadia Cohen of Oviedo competed in the girls 13-year-old age division where she competed in three events: 100m hurdles, 200m hurdles and the Long Jump setting PRs in the hurdles and placing in the top 20 in all 3 of her events. Her brother Noah competed in the high jump and placed 18^th in the javelin in the 10-year-old age group.

in the 14-year-old division also competing for the Gliders was Soliel Schnoor, also of Oviedo, competing in her first year, set a PR in her 800 meters and long jump. Makayla Claudio, of Longwood, also in her first year of national track, competed in the 400 meters. 
Results at: https://results.flashresults.com/2023_07-29_AAU/index.htm

Coach and Business Manager Rose Rodriquez said, “The athletes performed well at the national meet. There were a huge number of heats for each individual age group and the competition was steep. They all tried their hardest and that resulted in some new personal records. As coaches that is all we can ask for from the athletes is to show up and give it their all.”

The Central Florida Gliders Track Club has been attending national competitions since 1990 and is a long-standing member of both USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). More information about the Gliders’ history, accomplishments, community outreach programs and registration sign-ups can be found on our web site. Contact: info@cfgliders.com   

2022 Cross Country Season Summary
The cross-country season started in September with our registration meeting and first practice. One of the first races of the season was the FLYRA qualifier at Holloway Park where several Gliders qualified for the Florida Middle School State Championships.

In October, the Gliders hosted its annual cross country meet at Forest City elementary instead of Sanlando Park where we have had the race for years. This year it was an invitational sanctioned by USATF rather than AAU and was a qualifier for the Middle School Championships.  The Gliders had a fun practice on New Smyrna Beach and another at M.L. King Park in Winter Park. Several Gliders performed well in the FLYRA Middle School State Championships while several high school Gliders competed in the district and regional championships. One Glider made it to the cross-country state championships as a freshman!

The first week of December, five Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross-Country Championships which this year was back in Knoxville at Victor Ashe Park where two Gliders medaled by finishing in the top 25 of their respective age groups.

While in Knoxville, the team visited for the second time, the Cirrus Aircraft company where the athletes toured the facility and learned a lot about becoming a pilot and flying an airplane. We ate lunch again at Calhoun’s on the Tennessee River. On Saturday after the races, we visited Pigeon Forge and took in the fabulous Christmas decorations.

The club shopped for presents and necessities to support three local families during the Christmas holiday. The club also donated to a program that donates necessities to the homeless as well as donated to several food banks. Earlier in the year the club raised money to help the children of Ukraine through a local church.

Sincere thanks to the Track Shack Foundation, Help Kids Play Sports, Dule Energy, Publix, Amazon as well as several other individual and alumni donors for supporting our cross-country team and charitable efforts this season. www.cfgliders.com

NEWS RELEASE For immediate release:  December 4, 2022

Central Florida Gliders Travel to National Cross-Country Championships, Bring Home Medals!

Altamonte Springs, FL – Five runners from the Central Florida Gliders Cross Country team joined other national competitors at the 2022 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Cross Country Championships held at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville, TN. This is the third time the Gliders have competed on this course. “The weather was a bit rainy in the morning which made the course muddy. Later it was clear skies and moderate temperatures for our Florida athletes, but all of our runners had mud on them at the end.,” said Craig Wise, founder, and Executive Director.

Two Gliders (2) were awarded medals finishing in the top 25 of their age group races: Angelica Wolfe 14^th in the 3k race for the 11 year girls division and Amare Henry 24^th place in the 10 year old boys 3k race division. Siblings Conner McCarthy in the 5k, 15-16 age group and sister Megan in the 3k, 12 year old girls division ran well, while Olivia Miskiv. completed her first national cross country race in the 4k, 13 year-old division. While in Knoxville the team visited the Cirrus Aircraft Company for the second time. The kids were exposed to the latest aviation technology for small planes and learned what it takes to become a pilot. After the races, the team also visited Pigeon Forge tourist area with an array of holiday festival lights. Many thanks to all our sponsors who helped to make this trip possible.

Complete results for the AAU national races can be found at: https://results.adkinstrak.com/meets

Coach Wise founded the Central Florida Gliders in 1989, and the club has been attending national cross-country championships since 1990. A long-standing member of both USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the oldest youth running club serving the Central Florida area for more than thirty (30) years. The club is operated by volunteer coaches and administrators producing individual and team national champions while promoting active, healthy lifestyles and emphasizing community service. More information about the Gliders’ programs, history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com 
Coaches: Steve McCarthy, Neamen Wise, Kamal Wise, Craig Wise

2022 Track Season Summary

The 2023 track season started with pre-training in February with the first practice and the annual registration meeting starting the first week in March. We still had covid protocols, but the pandemic eased as the season went on. In April, several high school Gliders competed and qualified in the regional and state championships while local youth competition lasted through May.

In June, the Gliders competed in AAU district and regional meets and qualified a number a number of athletes to the AAU Nationals in Greensboro.  Also, a number of Gliders competed in the USATF Youth Nationals in New York where the team won 8 medals and set PRs. At the 2022 USA Track Nationals in Eugene, Oregon, a former Glider won the championship in the triple jump,

In July at the at the AAU Club Nationals which this year was at Dr. Phillips High School, instead of the usual Disney location, the Gliders won several medals and qualified more athletes to the AAU Nationals in Greensboro. At the AAU Nationals, 9 of our athletes competed and won 2 medals and set several personal records. At the 2022 World Track Championships for the first time in the United States in Eugene, a former Glider competed and finished 6th in the world in the triple jump.

Many thanks to the Track Shack, Duke Energy, Publix, Amazon, Kohls, Lake Brantley High School, Sanlando Park and all our sponsors, alumni and supporters who helped make this season possible.

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NEWS RELEASE For immediate release:  Aug 9, 2022
Central Florida Gliders Travel to Multiple National Championships and Bring Home Medals!

June 29^th – July 2^nd four (4) athletes from the Central Florida Gliders Track and Field team traveled to Icahn Stadium in the heart of New York City, NY to compete in the 2022 USATF National Youth Outdoor Championships. They competed in a total of 13 events and brought home 8 medals.

Alexa Bender competed in the 13-14 girls age group and medaled in all 4 of her events. The highest being the gold medal in the triple jump where she jumped 31’8”. She also got on the podium and took home medals for 4^th in the 100m Hurdles, 5^th in the High Jump and 6^th in the Long Jump. Her performances earned her the status of USATF MVP for girls in her age group in field events.

Nadia Cohen competed in the 11-12 girls age group and medaled in all 3 of her events. She had some pretty significant PRs in all her events which earned her 3^rd in the Long Jump where she jumped 16’4.5”. The competition was tight all the way until the end with the top 3 in her age group being only inches apart from each other. She also earned 4^th place in the 80m Hurdles and 7^th in the 400m. Angelica Wolfe also competed in the 11-12 girls age group. Her first year running hurdles and she placed 10^th along with placing 10^th in the 800 and 11^th in the 400m.

r youngest athlete, Noah Cohen competed in the 9-10 boys age group in the 400m and high jump. His best event of the competition was the Javelin where he threw 69′ 3.5” which earned him a 6^th place medal.

July 30^th – August 6^th nine (9) athletes from the Central Florida Gliders Track and Field team traveled to NC A&T, in Greensboro, NC to compete in the 2022 AAU Junior Olympics. They competed in a total of 10 events and brought home 2 medals.

Our youngest athlete at Junior Olympics was Sydney Africk in the 9-year-old girls division and competed in the turbo javelin and high jump placing in the top 20 for both events. Isaiah Thompson competed in the 10-year-old boys division placing 15^th in the long jump.

Angelica Wolfe competed in the 11-year-old girls division in the long jump and brought home medals for 8^th place in the 800m and 80m Hurdles. Also competing in the same age division was Amyia Jackson. She competed in the long jump and 100m.  

We had 4 athletes competing in the 15–16-year-old age division across multiple events. Tristen Washington placed 9^th in the 200m and competed in the 100m and long jump. Carson McManus competed in the 110 Hurdles, 400m Hurdles and Javelin. U’nitee competed in the girl’s division in the shot put. Landon Holt competed in the 800m. Calista Mason also competed in the 800m in the 17-18 girls’ division.

Coach Wise founded the Central Florida Gliders in 1989. The club has been attending national competitions since 1990. A long-standing member of both USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the oldest youth running club servicing the area for more than thirty (30) years. The club is operated by volunteer coaches and administrators producing individual and team national champions while promoting active, healthy lifestyles and emphasizing community service. More information about the Gliders’ history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com

2021 Cross Country Season Summary

The cross country season started in September with our registration meeting and first practice with some covid protocols still in place. One of the first races of the season was the FLYRA qualifier at Holloway Park where several Gliders qualified for the Florida Middle School State Championships.

In October, the Gliders hosted its annual cross country meet at the Seminole Softball Complex/Sanlando Park which was the AAU District Qualifier meet and also
a qualifier for the Middle School Championships.  The Gliders had a couple of fun practices at New Smyrna Beach and at M.L. King Park in Winter Park. As last year,
we did not have the usual Halloween party, but did give our runners some Halloween goodies after practice. Also because of the pandemic all the fund-raisers were again virtual but were very successful in raising travel money to the national championships. Several Gliders performed well in the FLYRA Middle School State Championships while several high school Gliders competed in the district and regional championships.

The regional Footlocker/East Bay race was attended by some of our athletes this year after it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. The first week of December, 15 Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross-Country Championships which this year was in Charlotte, NC at the McAlpine Creek Park course used by the regional Footlocker race course where two Gliders medaled by finishing in the top 25 of their respective age groups.

While in Charlotte, Friday morning the team visited the Windy Apple Orchard and Black’s Orchard. We then visited a unique animal museum in York County before going to straight to McAlpine for warm-up and course review.  Later in the day, the Olive Garden catered our team pasta dinner on Friday at the hotel. On Saturday after the races, we had the Saturday afternoon party catered by Publix and then the team went downtown to view Charlotte’s downtown Christmas decorations.

The club was successful in raising donations for a relief fund to help the children of Haiti and also shopped for presents and necessities to support two local families during the Christmas holiday. The year-end party was at Congo River Golf.

Sincere thanks to the Track Shack Foundation, Publix as well as several other individual alumni donors for supporting our cross-country team and charitable efforts this season. www.cfgliders.com

GLIDERS MEDAL AT AAU XC NATIONALS

Central Florida Gliders Travel to National Cross Country Championship, Bring Home Medals

Altamonte Springs, FL – Twelve athletes from the Central Florida Gliders Cross Country team joined national competitors at the 2016 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Cross Country Championship held here for the first time in Florida on the beautiful Apalachee Regional Park course, made especially for cross country, where numerous cross country events have been held. “It’s been a fun season for our athletes and competing in a national championship here in our own state is a great way to end the season. It’s an opportunity to compete against other runners from across the nation,” said Head coach Craig Wise.

Several Gliders were awarded medals by finishing in the top 25 of their age group race. Glider, Maya Bordrato, was awarded an individual medal for finishing in 11^th place in the 13-year-old girl’s age group in the 4000-meter race. A total of three Gliders medaled in the 9-10-year-old age division; Jolynn Rodriguez (13^th), Amari Whetro (14^th), and Madalyn Falk (24^th).  In the youngest age division, 6 & Under, Megan McCarthy took home a 5^th place finish.

Our boys also had a strong showing with Anderson Rodriguez taking 7^th place in the 7-year-old race and Connor McCarthy taking 24^th in the 9-year-old race. 

Other Glider athletes competing at AAU Nationals include Madalyn King, Kayla McCarthy, Corey Johnson, Landon Pierce, and Daniel Osterndorf. All twelve runners set season PRs at AAU Nationals. 

Complete results can be found at: http://www.adkinstrak.com/AAUXC/ or http://www.aauathletics.org/Results/AAUCrossCountryChampionshipsResults.aspx

The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the oldest youth running club servicing the Central Florida area for more than 25 years. The club has produced numerous individual and team national champions while promoting active, healthy lifestyles and community service with area youth.Coach Craig Wise founded the Central Florida Gliders in 1989, and the club has been attending national cross country championships since 1990.  Now a long-standing member of both USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), the Central Florida Gliders is run by volunteer coaches, assistants, and other volunteers.

 More information about the Gliders’ history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com.  Central Florida Gliders contacts via info@cfgliders.com:

2016 Track Season Summary
Practice started in February and in March the Gliders began to compete in local meets through May. At the end of April, the Gliders hosted its 24thAnnual Spring Track Classic, which was attended by over 800 athletes from all over Florida and several records were broken. Also in May, high school Gliders competed in the regional and state championships.

In the beginning of June, the Gliders competed at Northwest Express meet in south Florida and the AAU qualifiers where the club qualified 23 athletes for the national championships in Houston. Also in June one of Gliders competed in the New Balance Outdoor Championships, earning a bronze third-place medal in the one mile freshman race-walk. In the second week of July at the AAU Club Nationals at Disney, the Gliders won several medals and the club qualified additional athletes for the AAU nationals.

At the AAU National Championships, most of our athletes attained personal records and our relays were competitive. In August, the Gliders concluded the season with the annual season-end party.

Many thanks go to the Track Shack, Help Kids Compete, Community Health Centers, Lake Brantley High School, Sanlando Park and many other supporters that made this track season possible.

CENTRAL FLORIDA GLIDERS COMPETE IN NATIONAL
TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HUMBLE, TEXAS

Altamonte Springs, FL – Athletes from the Central Florida Gliders Track Club traveled to the National AAU Junior Olympic Games for Track and Field, held July 30 – August 7, 2016 in the Houston area, Texas area. This national meet is the culmination of the Gliders 2016 track and field season, which includes many local and regional competitions.

At the Nationals, Gliders who qualified and competed included Justyce Berry (100 meters and 200 Meters), Jordan Butler (High Jump & 4×100 relay), Adrian Burgos (4×100 Relay),  Chimany Cherry (High Jump and 800 meter), Kiona Clelland-Goddard (Long Jump, 100 meter Hurdles and 4×100 Relay) Marcus Guy Jr (400 meters and 4×100 Relay), Kyle Johnson (Long Jump and 80 meters Hurdles), Connor McCarthy (Triathlon), Jessica Nolte (high jump), Andrew Owens (4×100 Relay), Alerie Parker (High Jump) Antonio Parker (high jump & long jump), Vianney Ojeda (Long Jump, High Jump & 80 Meter hurdles), Gianna Ojeda (Turbo Javelin), Alexandra Rodriguez (4×100 relay) Roberto Salamo (High Jump and 4×100 relay), Lexie Starks (100 meter, and 4×100 relay), Michelle Surin (High Jump and 4×100 relay), Amari Whetro (1500-meter & 800 meter races) & Alysa Whetro (Pentathlon, 100 meter Hurdles & High Jump).

“This has been a very good season for us, with 23 athletes qualifying for nationals and with great representation and outstanding performances where many of our athletes set new personal records at their first trip to Nationals” said Head Track Coach Tony Burgos.  We congratulate all Central Florida Gliders athletes and parents as this year has proved that hard work pays off. Many thanks go to our supporters whose donations helped finance this trip and to our coaching staff— Craig Wise, Mark Robinson, Winston Hobson, Marcus Guy, Tom Kruger, Mindy Wethro and Bill Powell,—for the time they have put in to prepare our kids. Now we’re looking forward to the upcoming cross country season and the AAU National Championships in Tallahassee!”

The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth running club servicing the Central Florida area for more than 20 years. The club which trains in Altamonte Springs has produced numerous individual and team national champions while promoting active, healthy lifestyles and community service.   More information about the Glider’s history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com.

The Central Florida Gliders Track & Field program is open to boys and girls age division 9 and older.  Our pre-season/conditioning practice in January at Sanlando Park. Our Track & Field season starts with an information session and first practice at Sanlando Park on February 1, 2017 and runs through the first week in August .  Athletes may continue to join through the end of April (end of May for high school and experienced athletes)

August 14, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Central Florida Gliders Compete in National
Track and Field Championships in Jacksonville, FL and Norfolk, VA

Altamonte Springs, FL –  Central Florida Gliders athletes traveled to the USATF Junior Olympics, held July 27 – August 2 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, and the AAU Junior Olympic Games for Track and Field, held August 1-8 at Norfolk State University in Virginia.

At the USATF Junior Olympics, Juan Moscoso won the gold medal and National Championship in  the 13-14 year old boys division for his 15:45.36 finish in the 3,000-meter race walk. Ashley Klingenberg earned three medals and set three personal records, placing third in the 800-meter run (2:14.84), fourth in the 1500-meter run (4:41.01); and fifth in the 3000-meter run (10:21.16) for the 13-14 year old girls division.

Other Central Florida Gliders who qualified and competed at the USATF national championships included Claire Goodowens (long jump, 8 & under girls division), Amari Whetro (1500-meter race, 9-10 year old girls division), Mya Bodrato and Taylor Seifert (3000-meter race, 11-12 year old girls division), Emma Powell and Nicole St Martin (3000-meter race walk, 13-14 year old girls division), Tyrique Lewis (800-meter race, 11-12 year old boys division), Canaan St. Lewis (3000-meter race, 13-14 year old boys division), Reginald Horton (triple jump and javelin, 13-14 year old boys division), and Antonio Parker (high jump and triathlon, 9-10 year old boys division).

At the AAU Junior Olympic Games for Track and Field, Roderick Horton came home with sixth place medals in the 11 year old boys division in the pentathlon (1741 points) and the high jump (4’7″). He also competed in the hurdles and long jump. Mya Bodrato medaled with her sixth place finish among 12 year old girls in the 3000-meter race with a time of 11:20.15.  Amari Whetro also competed in 1500-meter race in the 9 year old girls division.

“This has been a very good season for us, with 13 athletes qualifying for nationals and with great representation and outstanding performances where everyone set new personal records,” said Head Track Coach Tony Burgos.  We congratulate all Central Florida Gliders athletes and parents as this year has proved that hard work pays off. Thanks to our coaching staff—Mark Robinson, Manuel Lopes, Maite Moscoso and Winston Hobson—for all the time they have put in to work with all our kids. Now we’re looking forward to cross country season!”

The national meets are the culmination of the Central Florida Gliders 2015 track and field season, which includes many local and regional competitions.

The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth running club servicing the Central Florida area for more than 20 years. The club which trains in Altamonte Springs has produced numerous individual and team national champions while promoting active, healthy lifestyles and community service.   More information about the Glider’s history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com.  
Central Florida Gliders contacts via info@cfgliders.com:
Antonio “Tony” Burgos, Head Track Coach                                        Craig D. Wise, Executive Director             

         

Gliders Medal at the 2014 AAU Junior Olympic Games

Congratulations to all the Gliders that qualified for and competed at the 2014 AAU Junior Olympics 7/26/2014 to 8/2/2014 in Des Moines, IA. Special mention to the following medalists (top 8 finish):
2014 AAU JO Games – 7/26/2014 to 8/2/2014
Drake Stadium
Drake University – Des Moines, IA

Event 112  Boys 3000 Meter Race Walk 13 years old

================================================================

    National: N 14:44.76  7/29/2007   Tyler Sorensen, Lafayette,

    Name                    Year Team                    Finals

================================================================

Finals

  1 Juan Moscoso              01 Longwood, FL          15:33.78

Event 93  Girls 3000 Meter Run 12 years old

================================================================

    National: N 10:17.00  7/29/2013   Tatum Castillo, Prosper, TX

    Name                    Year Team                    Finals  H#

================================================================

Finals

  6 Ashley Klingenberg        02 Altamonte Springs,    11:08.98   2

Event 81  Girls 1500 Meter Run 12 years old

================================================================

    National: N 4:41.14  8/3/2010    Danae Rivers, Derby, CT

    Name                    Year Team                    Finals  H#

================================================================

Finals

  8 Ashley Klingenberg        02 Altamonte Springs,     5:09.87   3

Boys 800 Meter Run 12 years old

================================================================

 TIMED FINAL

    National: N 2:07.84  1992        Rudy DeLosSantos, Eagle Pass, TX

    Name                    Year Team                    Seed     Finals  H#

================================================================

Finals

  8  1181 David Manning       02 Oviedo, FL           2:22.33    2:21.05   6

Event 267  Boys 4×800 Meter Relay 14 years old

================================================================

    National: N 8:13.90  8/3/2012    Miami Gardens Xpress TC, Miami

                         M Brown, R Champlin, E Hogan, D Hylton

    Team                                                 Finals  H#

================================================================

Finals

  5 Central Florida Gliders  ‘A’                        9:00.29   2

     1) Cj Goodyear 00                  2) Joab Francois 00

     3) Marcus Guy 00                   4) Paul Stafford 00

Event 8  Boys 100 Meter Dash 11 years old

================================================================

    National: N 12.04  2004        Walter Williams, Detroit, MI

    Name                    Year Team                    Finals  Wind

================================================================

Finals

  7 Chandler Smith            03 Atamonte Springs, F      13.05   1.8 13.050

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For immediate release:  August 12, 2013

Central Florida Gliders Bring Home National Track and Field Medals

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For immediate release:  May 1, 2013

Meet Records Fall as Athletes from Ages 6 to Over 60 Compete at the 21st Annual Central Florida Gliders Spring Track Classic
Altamonte Springs, FL – More than 700 athletes from 10 countries competed in the 21st Annual Central Florida Gliders Spring Track Classic, held Saturday, April 27, at Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Nearly 1,000 supporters filled the stands and lined the track to cheer on the athletes, who ranged in age from 6 to over 60, as they race walked, ran, jumped, and threw. Nineteen meet records were broken under partly sunny, breezy weather conditions.

“It was an exciting day, and the international competition made the meet even more fun,” said Gliders Head Coach and Meet Director Craig D. Wise. Countries represented included the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Finland, Norway, Botswana, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and St. Croix, as well as the United States.

Forty-nine track and running clubs were also represented at the meet. More than 100 athletes participated as unattached (independent) competitors. Included were a number of elite athletes working to obtain qualifying marks for national and international competitions. “It was a wonderful opportunity for our youth to share the facilities with older athletes in the Open Division who compete at an international level,” Wise said.

Highlighting the day were the 19 meet records broken, and the new records established for the 3,000-meter race. This is the first year that the meet has included a 3,000-meter event. Male and female athletes competed separately by age group, following USA Track and Field (USATF) guidelines. A complete list of results is available via www.cfgliders.com or directly throughwww.gunlaprunning.com/2013/2013_Central_Florida_Gliders_Results.htm.

The Central Florida Gliders Spring Track Classic is run by volunteers. Officials are USATF-certified. Timing is conducted by GunLap Running (www.gunlaprunning.com). The annual meet is the primary fundraising activity of the Central Florida Gliders Track Club (www.cfgliders.com), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth running club serving the Central Florida area for 23 years. The club has produced numerous individual and team national champions while promoting active, healthy lifestyles and community service with area youth.   More information about the Glider’s history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com.

New meet records are included in the attached press release. Also attached are two photos for your use. Additional photos are available upon request.

Kathe Riley Jackson
Public Relations and Marketing
Central Florida Gliders
407.760.0219
www.cfgliders.com

 

For immediate release:  December 2, 2012

Central Florida Gliders Travel to National Cross Country Championship, Bring Home Medals

Altamonte Springs, FL – Seventeen athletes from the Central Florida Gliders Cross Country team, led by Head Coach Craig D. Wise, joined national competitors at the 2012 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Cross Country Championship held December 1 in Rock Hill, South Carolina.  Gliders were awarded eight individual medals for placing in the top 25 of age group competitions.

“It’s been a fun season for our athletes and coaches, and going out-of-state to nationals is a wonderful way to end the season. It’s an opportunity to put our hard work to the test and meet other runners from across the nation,” says Team Manager Susan Boucher.

Glider Rafaella Gibbons, age 12, took the bronze medal (third place) in the Girls 3K Midget Division competition. Audrey Mcanally, age 10, also stood on the winners’ podium with her fifth place finish in the Girls 3K Sub-Bantam Division race. Alex Boucher, age 13 (Sub-Youth Division), and Jackson Boucher, age 14 (Youth Division), also mounted the podium for their respective sixth and eighth place wins in the Boys 4K competition. Other medalists included:

Joseph Fitzpatrick, 11th place, Boys Sub-Youth Division

Devin Boyle, 21st place, Boys Midget Division

Jaylen Rodriques, 24th place, Boys Sub-Youth Division

Mary Sonksen, 25th place, Girls Sub-Youth Division

 

The Gliders Youth Boys team also placed sixth nationally. Complete results can be found athttp://aauathletics.org/Results/2012CrossCountryNationals.aspx.

 

Coach Craig Wise founded the Central Florida Gliders in 1989, and the club has been attending national cross country championships since 1990.  Now a long-standing member of both USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), the Central Florida Gliders is run by volunteer coaches, assistants, and parents under Wise’s leadership.

 

The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth running club servicing the Central Florida area for more than 20 years. The club has produced numerous individual and team national champions while promoting active, healthy lifestyles and community service with area youth.   More information about the Gliders’ history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com.

Central Florida Gliders contacts via info@cfgliders.com:
Susan Boucher, Team Manager, Meet DirectorCraig D. Wise, Founder, Executive Director, Coach

Central Florida Gliders

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For release May 2, 2011

New Records Set at Central Florida Gliders 19^th Annual Spring Track Classic
PRESS RELEASE

Re: AAU Cross Country National Championships

December 5, 2009

Today, 37 athletes from the Central Florida Gliders Track team competed at the 2009 AAU National Cross Country Championships held this year in windy wet weather on a flat, muddy course at the Disney Wide World of Sports.  The Gliders were honored with two Gold Medal team championship titles and 11 individual medalists.

The Glider’s Intermediate Boys team (15-16 age division) earned a Gold Medal first place finish this year after winning the Silver medal in 2007 and the Gold medal in 2006.  Kamal Koroso of Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville led the team with a 3rd place finish, followed closely by medalists Will Bridges of Edgewater High School in 4th place, Mitchell Moore of Olympia High School in 15th place and Daniel Millay of Dr. Phillips High School in 20th place. Other members of the team include Josh Boggs and A.J. Cunningham, both from Dr. Phillips High School’s cross country team that finished 2nd in Florida’s 4A state championship., Peter Licari of Haggerty High School and Daniel Dey of Olympia High School.

The Gliders Midget Boys (11 & 12) also earned first place gold medal team championship with Jesse Millson leading the team with a 2nd place finish in the Sub-midget division followed by medalists Brandon Maquez, 4th in the Sub-midgets and Jerod Fuller, 8th in the Midget Boys division. The other team members include Colten Thomas, Jackson Boucher, Matthew Clapp, Jack Dey, Malik Lee and Corbin Wapshott.

Other Glider medalists include Alex Boucher who finished 12th, Wade Cuda who finished 21st, both of the Bantam Boys division (10 years); Chad Bolten of the Sub-Bantam Boys (9 years) and Caroline Jackson of the Sub-youth girls division (13 years) who finished 24th.

Other Central Florida Gliders competitors included Kathryn Boucher and Juan Moscoso in the primary division (7-8 yrs); Jenna Terry, Jackson Geib, Jarret Pond, and Gregory Barnlund in the sub bantam/bantam division; Norma Durango, Josephine Spiegelberg, Alexis Terry in the sub-midget/midgets division; Maite Moscoso, Lindsay Zollars, Amanda Cooksey, Bianca Fazio as well as Caleb Gruner, Blake Bolten and Sam Millson in the sub-youth/youth division.

In all, an impressive showing by the Glider athletes against some of the best youth runners in the United States. Complete results and pictures can be found at www.aausports.org and www.cfgliders.com    
Coach Craig Wise

Press Release

December 23, 2008

Re: Central Florida Gliders Academic Scholarship Program

Today, the Central Florida Gliders Track Club awarded scholarships of $250 to five (5) and $100 to one (1) Glider students in college and graduate school totaling $1,350.

Valarie Martinez – Senior at UCF

Ryan Truchelut – Graduate student at FSU

Caleb Vogt – Junior at the University of Georgia

Dafina Wise – Medical Student at Wayne State University

Omari Wise – MBA student at Wharton Business School

Gerald Christian – FAMU

More information about the Gliders running, scholarships and community outreach program can be found on the web site: www.cfgliders.com

PRESS RELEASE

December 6, 2008

Re: AAU Cross Country National Championships

Today, 44 athletes from the Central Florida Gliders Track team competed at the 2008 AAU National Cross Country Championships held this year in cold weather on the flat, muddy course at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex in Decatur, AL.  The Gliders were honored with a Gold Medal Individual Championship title; 15 individual medals; and two team championship medals.

Brandon Marquez of Orlando won the Gold Medal with an impressive first place finish the 3000 meter race in 10:40 in the Bantam Boys 10 year-old age division while leading the Glider’s Bantam Boys team to a Bronze Medal third-place finish. Brandon had finished 2nd last year. Other members of Bantam’s team included Alexander Boucher who raced to earn a medal with a 7th place finish, followed by Jaylen Rodriques who earned a 14th place medal, both in the Sub-Bantam 9 year-old division; and Jackson Boucher who finished 24th in the Bantam division earning a national medal. He was followed by the other supporting team members: Jarrett Pond, Cameron Sparks, Jesse Millson and Russell Algorri. The Glider’s Bantam Boys team won the AAU National title last year.

The Glider’s Intermediate Boys team (15-16 age division) earned a Silver Medal second-place finish this year after winning the Gold medal title last year. William Bridges of Edgewater High School led the team earning a medal with an 11th finish in the 5000 meter race followed by Novian Middleton who earned a medal with a 18th place finish and Daniel Millay who also earned a medal with a 19th place finish. Other members of the Silver medal team included Grayson Moore, Nick Lehman, Daniel Dey of Olympia High School, Joshua Boggs and AJ Cunningham. Middleton, Millay, Boggs and Cunningham were members of Dr. Phillips high school cross country team that finished 3rd in Florida’s 4A state championship.

The Gliders Bantam Girls team finished 7th with Daesha Rogers leading the team with a 3rd place bronze medal in the 3000 meter race with a time of 12:05 and was followed by Brenda Villarreal-Acevedo who earned a medal with a 17th place finish, both in the 9 year-old Sub-Bantam division. Other members of the Bantam Girls team (10 & 9 year old division) were Janay Shuler, Kailiece Harris, Brenda Shuler and Leilani Torres.

The Midget Girls team finished 6th in the competition and was led by Caroline Jackson who earned a medal by finishing 24th in the 12 year-old Midget division with a time of 11:33 in the 3000 meter race and was followed by Abby Nicks who earned an 8th place finish in the 11 year-old Sub-Midget division. Other members of the team included Alexis Romeo, Lindsey Zollars, Amanda Cooksey, and Domonique Turner.

The Glider’s Midget Boys team finished 5th and was led by Jerod Fuller who ran 10:50 in the 3000 meter race to earn a 4th place medal, Max Robinson who earned a 8th place medal and Jose Torres who earned a 12th place medal, all in the 11 year-old Sub-Midget age division. Other members of the team include , Matthew Gargiulo, Paul McCloud, Matthew Clapp, Caleb Gruner, Jack Dey and Blake Bolton.

Other medalists for the Gliders include Chad Bolton who finished 9th in the 2000 meter race with a time of 8:11 in the Primary Boys 8 & under age division and Mitchell Moore who finished 7th in 14:02 in the 4000 meter race in the Youth Boys 14-year old age division. Also competing for the Gliders were Justin Dixon and Kyle Meerdo, in the 13 year-old Youth Boys division; Giovani Villarreal in the Youth boys 14 year-old division; and Tiffany Gargiulo in the Intermediate girls 15-16 year-old age division.

In all, an impressive showing by the Glider athletes against some of the best youth runners in the United States. Complete results can be found at www.aauathletics.org and www.cfgliders.com.

PRESS RELEASE

August 3, 2008

At the recent AAU Jr. Olympics National Track & Field Championships in Ypsilanti (Detroit), MI at the Eastern Michigan University track, the Central Florida Gliders Track Club earned a Bronze Medal third place in the boys 4x 800m relay team in the Midget Boys (11 & 12 yrs) age division, two Silver Medals in the Multi-event competition and three other medals in the distance events.

Brenda Villarreal-Acevedo of Altamonte Springs earned the Silver Medal with a second place finish in the Triathlon in the girls Sub-bantam (9 year old) age  division while Neamen Wise also of Altamonte Springs earned the Silver Medal in the Decathlon in the Young Men (17 & 18 yrs) age division. Neamen also earned special recognition for winning the Joe Ferrell Memorial Award as the Outstanding Performer in all the Multi-event competition based on his performance, sportsmanship and attitude.

The baton of the Bronze Medal third place Midget relay team was moved around the track by Matthew Gargiulo of Chuluota, Max Robinson of Altamonte Springs, Xavier Wilson of Orlando and anchored by Paul McCloud of Orlando. Max also earned two other medals on the track with fourth place finish in the 3000 meters and a fifth place finish in the 1500 meters while Paul earned a fifth place finish in the 1500 meters. Also in the 1500 meters, Alex Boucher of Maitland earned a national medal with a seventh place finish in the Boys Sub-bantam (9 year old) age division.

Also competing for the Gliders at the AAU National Championships was Jackson Boucher of Maitland, Trace Christian of Altamonte Springs, Maurice Nock of Sanford and Jaylen Rodriquez of Altamonte Springs, all in the Bantam Boys division; Alyssa Christian of Altamonte Springs in the Midget Girls (12 year old) division; Giovani Villarreal of Altamonte Springs and Tiffany Gargiulo of Chuluota in the Intermediate Girls (15-16 year old) division.

Many thanks to our sponsors and supporters that helped make it happen from coaches

Al Clay, Craig Wise.

Complete results available at www.aausports.com

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PRESS RELEASE

May 11, 2008

RE: 2008 Gliders Spring Classic & Inaugural Race of Champions

The Central Florida Gliders held its 17th Annual youth and open & age group track meet at Lake Brantley High School this past Saturday. This year the meet was attended by over 700 athletes throughout Florida.

In its Inaugural Race of Champions, there was an exceptional performance in the women’s open 100 meters by Octavious Freeman of Lake Wales High School.  She set a new meet record of 11.63 which ranks her 12th in the nation. Brianna Frazier 400 meter state champ from Raines High School ran a 12.03 and Tatiana Fisher from Oakridge HS ran a 12.11.  4A state champion Meagan Martin of Lake Mary won the women’s pole vault with a performance of 11’ 7″ while Andrew Layhe of Lake Brantley, the 4A pole vault champion, jumped 15’1″. Noah Thompson was runner up with a jump of 14 feet and Logan Vanhouteghem was third with a jump of 13 feet. Another 4A state champion, Ariel Cavazos from Osceola HS won the women’s long jump in 17’9”. Kayla Funderburk broke the meet record in the Open 400m Race of Champions with a time of 57.30 at the Gliders Meet, a Freshman at Lakewood High School. On the men’s side, Leon Covington ran an impressive 10.3 in the men’s Open 100 meter dash.  Additionally, there were several meet records broken in the youth division. Complete results can be found at www.cfgliders.com, www.flrunners.com or www.coachO.com

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PRESS RELEASE

March 5, 2008

RE: Central Florida Gliders Spring Track Classic on May 10th

Mark you calendar for the 17^th Annual Spring Track Classic with on-line registration and Finish-Lynx timing. We have added some dedicated competition for the high school athletes and request that you inform the high school coaches in your area. We will also continue to feature the Parents & Coaches Relay.

As in previous years, we continue to give the first place winners a special award as well as Gold, Silver & Bronze medals. Ribbons will be given to the 4th, 5th, & 6th place finishers. With the help of certified officials, we pride ourselves in running this meet on time and efficiently as possible.

Online entries will be processed through www.coachO.com and the system is now set up to receive entries which will be capped at 1000 athletes so get your entries in as soon as possible. Information brochures have be sent out to all registered track clubs in the state and the entry information about the Gliders Spring Classic can also be found on our web site: www.cfgliders.com.

Look forward to seeing you at the track!

Craig Wise
Meet Director
coachwise@hotmail.com

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01/07/08

PRESS RELEASE

RE: High School Multi-events Competition & “Race of Champions”

To help revive and promote two areas of high school track, the Central Florida Gliders Track Club and Lake Brantley High School will offer a multi-event competition and a “Race of Champions” meet specifically for high school athletes. This will be a meet where all the high school state champions in the different classifications will compete against each other in an end-of-the-season race the weekend following the high school state track meet.

This meet will be an opportunity to revive and create more interest in the multi-events this year and hopefully will lead to a few more scholarships for our athletes. In past years the multi-events used to  e a state high school event at the end of the season and then a decade ago it was discontinued. The multi-events competition is open to all high school athletes from Florida and the Southeast United States.  On Saturday, May 10th the first day of the multi-events will take place with the second day being held on Sunday, May 11th. The Race of Champions competition will be on Saturday afternoon (field events) and Saturday evening (running events) right after the annual Gliders Classic Track Meet. The competition will be in select events this first year (100m, 400m, 1600m, 100m & 110m hurdles, long jump, high jump, shot put and pole vault) and then expanded next year to possibly include all the events. Invitations will be extended to the following:

• The State Champions in each division for each event
• The two best performances in each division (not including the State Champion)
• The best ten times from the State meet (not including the State Champion or next two best performances)

We appreciate your support and your help to increase Florida’s prominence as a leader in high school track. If you are interested in being a volunteer for this meet, please contact coachwise@hotmail.com. All entries will be processed through www.coachO.com. For entry info, please visit: www.cfgliders.com or contact coachwise@hotmail.com.

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PRESS RELEASE

Re: AAU Cross Country National Championships

December 1, 2007

Today, 22 athletes from the Central Florida Gliders Track team competed at the 2007 AAU National Cross Country Championships held this year in cold weather on the flat, rocky course at the Virginia Beach Sports Complex in Virginia Beach, VA. The Gliders were honored with 2 Gold Medal Team Championship titles; 8 individual medallists; and a Silver Medal second place finish by Brandon Marquez of Orlando in the sub-bantam boys division.

For the Bantam Boys Gold Medal team, Jerod Fuller finished 6^th with a time of 11:07; Max Robinson finished 7^thwith a time of 11:08; Jose Torres finished 19^th with a time of 11:22; Chris Pioche finished 22nd with a time of 11:41; Mathew Clapp finished 30^th with a time of 12:27; and Jack Dey finished 56th with a time of 12:44.

For the Youth Boys Gold Medal team, William Bridges finished 7^th with a time of 13:10; Daniel Dey finished 19^thwith a time of 13:53; Daniel Millay finished 32^nd with a time of 14:29; Joshua Boggs finished 36^th with a time of 14:42; and Michael Melendez finished 38^th with a time of 14:50. Other medallists for the Gliders were Peter Licari who finished 9^th in the sub-youth boys division and Brenda Villarreal-Acevedo who finished 22^nd in the primary girls division.

Additionally competing for the Gliders was Mia Wilson in the girls sub-bantam division;

Amanda Cooksey and Caroline Jackson in sub-midget girls division; Stephan Fasold in the sub-midget boys division; Giovani Villarreal in the sub-youth boys division; Melissa Marquez in the youth girls age division; and Ryan Dey & Michael Moeller in the young men’s division.

In all, an impressive showing by the Glider athletes against some of the best youth runners in the United States. Complete results can be found at www.aausports.org and www.cfgliders.com

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Press Release
November 12, 2007

Re: Central Florida Gliders Academic Scholarship Program

Today, the Central Florida Gliders Track Club awarded scholarships to four (4) Glider students in college and graduate school totaling $1,200:

Steve Christian Law student FAMU Law School

Dafina Wise Medical Student Wayne State University

Kamal Wise Senior FAMU MBA Program

Gerald Christian Senior FAMU

More information about the Gliders running and community outreach program can be found on the web site:www.cfgliders.com.