INFORMATIONAL MEETTINGS FOR MISSISSIPPI VALLEY TRACK CLUB

• Bettendorf Public Library 2nd Floor
• Thursday, March 5, 2026, and Tuesday, March 17, 2026
• 6:15PM -8:00PM (45 min. presentation beginning  at 6:30PM followed by 45 min. meet the coaches and Q&A session)

• IF YOU PLAN TO JOIN AND ARE NEW TO THE CLUB - Bring photocopy of birth certificate & any questions you have.

• A summer youth track & field program for boys and girls ages 8 (&under) to 18 years old. Athletes’ competition age is their age as of 12/31/26. Athletes who are still 18 on the final day of the AAU Junior Olympics (August 8, 2026) are eligible to compete in the 17-18 age division.

• Running, Jumping, Hurdling and Throwing disciplines are taught, with emphasis placed on correct form and technique while having fun and developing the athletes’ passion for track and field.

• In 2026, practices will begin April 15^th and end July 31^st.
• Practices are held Monday through Friday at the Bettendorf High School track, beginning promptly at 6:00PM and lasting until 7:30PM (unless a different schedule is communicated). NOTE: it is possible that athletes will be divided into 2 separate practices (5:00-6:00PM, and 6:00-7:30PM), once the High School aged athletes begin practicing in early June. This will help coaches complete the workouts planned in a timely manner without sacrificing focus on the athletes’ needs. Also, on occasion, additional workouts are scheduled on Saturday mornings.
• Practices for runners, hurdlers and jumpers will include strenuous running workouts on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Practices for runners on Tuesday and Thursday will focus on recovery, specialty events (hurdles, long and triple jump, high jump based on coach availability), relay exchanges, using starting blocks, and improving technique.

• Throwers will practice Monday-Friday, with focus on a different implement each day. Throwing events include the Shot Put, Discus, Weight Throw, Javelin, and Turbo Javelin.
• From time to time, Bettendorf HS athletic teams will need the track for a competitive event during our scheduled practice time. In those instances, MVTC will practice on the grassy field south of the stadium.

• Senior High School track athletes may begin practice after their HS season is done.

• Over the course of the season athletes compete in numerous AAU & USATF sanctioned track meets with the ultimate objective of qualifying for the Junior Olympics.
• Athletes wishing to compete in developmental meets are asked to indicate their intention in a timely manner during the week preceding the event. Athletes planning to compete in the Junior Olympic qualifying meets (AAU District, AAU Regional, USATF State, and USATF Regional meets), as well as the those who qualify and wish to participate in the AAU Junior Olympics in Des Moines, IA, will be required to confirm their intention by a specific date to be determined by MVTC in order to ensure successful registration.
• For those who qualify to move on at the AAU District and Regional meets, and the USATF State and Regional meets, Qualifying and National Junior Olympic meets, upon commitment athletes will be assessed appropriate registration fee(s) as determined by AAU/USATF.

Click here to view complete information, including practice information, club contacts, meet schedule, and competition categories.

• Practice and meet participation are optional. Limited participation will not result in a discounted Club fee.
• Attendance is taken upon arrival at practice for the purpose of learning the athletes’ name only.
• MVTC uses GroupMe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the MVTCQC.COM website to communicate general information, athlete accomplishments, as well as to promote the Club.

• Mandatory practice clothing – running shorts (NO BASKETBALL SHORTS), short sleeve top, and running shoes. NOTE: during the months of April and May, additional, easily removed layers such as a sweatshirt and/or light jacket may be appropriate.
• Competition spikes are optional and will only be used during certain phases of the workout, at the coaches’ discretion, and during track meets. NOTE: MVTC owns a ‘library’ of competition spikes that can be ‘checked out’ for the season. Sizes are limited, and the inventory is available on a first come, first served basis.

• Bringing a water bottle to practice every day is essential for keeping athletes hydrated DURING workouts. No soda, Kool Aid, etc. Sports drinks are good for AFTER practice. MVTC will have water bottles at practice to cover athletes who forget to bring theirs.
• Parents will be asked to volunteer with the execution of MVTC’s home, fundraiser track meet. Additionally, donations of typical concession stand staples to be sold at our home, fundraiser track meet, will be sought.

• We try to have occasional parent meetings throughout the season, usually at the beginning of  practice. Advance notice about parent meetings will be given via email and/or GroupMe.

14 and Under at $150.00*, which includes up to 6 days of training per week, MVTC practice t-shirt, AAU and USATF membership fees, registration fee for ~6 Club-attended developmental meets, registration fee for the AAU District (if held) and USATF State meets. MVTC athletes will be charged a discounted fee to participate in our invitational, fundraiser meet. Registration fee for the AAU and USATF Regional meets, as well as AAU and USATF Junior Olympic meets, will be a straight passthrough of that meet’s fee, along with their processing charge.

Athletes are responsible for the cost of travel, food, and lodging for all out-of-town meets.

Athletes are responsible for the cost of competition uniforms.

NOTE: For families experiencing financial hardship, MVTC can provide limited assistance to help cover the cost of Club participation, and/or travel and lodging for out-of-town meets – talk to us.
 
15 and Above at $125.00*, which includes up to 6 days of training per week, MVTC practice t-shirt, AAU and USATF membership fees,  registration fee for the AAU District (if held) and USATF State meets. MVTC athletes will be charged a discounted fee to participate in our invitational, fundraiser meet. Registration fee for the AAU and USATF Regional meets, as well as AAU and USATF Junior Olympic meets, will be a straight passthrough of that meet’s fee, along with their processing charge.

Athletes are responsible for the cost of travel, food, and lodging for all out-of-town meets.

Athletes are responsible for the cost of competition uniforms.

NOTE: For families experiencing financial hardship, MVTC can provide limited assistance to help cover the cost of Club participation, and/or travel and lodging for out-of-town meets – talk to us.

* An athlete’s competition age is their age as of 12/31/26. Athletes who are still 18 on the final day of the AAU Junior Olympics (August 8, 2026) are eligible to compete in the 17-18 age division.

MVTC is a non-profit organization. $25 of your registration fee may be considered a tax-deductible contribution.

Cassie Baker - Head Coach
ph: 254.415.0160

Rudy Walker - Thows Coach
ph: 563.332.5458

Sean Graves - Hurdles Coach
ph: 309.236.5125

Christopher von Gries - Treasurer
ph: 563.505.1238

Matt McQuillen - President
ph: 563.343.0947