Montana Welcomes New Clubs 26'

With the beginning of 2026, the USATF Montana Association ushers in our newest USA Track & Field sanctioned clubs to Big Sky Country!
The development of club members is at the heartbeat of USA Track & Field. They provide much needed support to athletes in the form of coaching, financial support, and athletic satisfaction. The development of club members are at the heartbeat of USA Track & Field. 
The focus and goals of each club are as unique and diverse as the athletes who compete for them. Some clubs focus primarily on elite development, while others specialize in youth or masters' programs, or the many other disciplines of USATF. Whatever the case may be, each club is vital to the sport's future in the United States.

A big “Welcome” to the following new clubs of the USA Track & Field Montana Association:

• Rimrock Track Club - Billings, MT.
• Dawson Athletic Club – Glendive, MT.
• Shepard Track Club – Shepard, MT.
• Powell County Track Club - Deer Lodge, MT. 

In the past three years, eight new clubs have joined the USATF Montana Association.  Only two of the eight have background with the USATF format; the rest, totally new to the USATF program.  As we have found, starting small with just a handful of athletes should not be considered a setback or disadvantage. Instead, just having the passion to share the many benefits of USA Track & Field with your youth is the bonus. 

The Powell County Track Club in Deer Lodge, Montana, is our latest example. Raised in the close-knit eastern Montana community of Malta, Jami Eads competed in track and field and later found a role that combines her work with her passion for the sport.
 
What generated the interest in starting their club?  With a background during high school, and after watching her father compete in the throws as a USATF master’s competitor --- the seed was planted! Since moving to the Deer Lodge area in 2006, Jami has worked in the mental health and counseling fields and serves in a variety of community service organizations throughout Powell County.
 
When Jami became the middle school track and field head coach, the idea took shape. She founded the Powell County Track Club to promote healthy movement, teamwork, and positive competition in the Deer Lodge area.  As a middle school track and field coach, she saw a USATF club as an effective way to support students interested in the sport and help athletes extend their season into the summer with guidance from local coaches.

When asked how starting a USATF youth club has benefited the program, Jami said, “I believe our club will strengthen school teams by giving students more opportunities to compete in different settings and meets, connect with other athletes and coaches, and broaden their track and field experience. Montana athletes deserve more chances to compete, especially because weather often shortens our seasons".  She gladly welcomes any and all in the outlying areas wanting to extend their excitement of track & field, to join them.

Want to be our next club --- contact bztkclub@gmail.com for more information on starting a USATF Montana youth program.