The Martin Brower Blaze Sprint team is entering its second season as a full-fledged sprint club in B.C. Athletics.
The team accomplished more than expected, said founder Bobby Lefever.
The team finished last in its first relay race in the Harry Jerome Indoor Track and field Championships in Richmond in February, but at the end of the year earned a bronze medal in the B.C. Track and Field Championships 4x100 relay, behind UBC (gold) and UVic (silver).
The club is growing faster than expected, as well, attracting sprinters from all categories. There are high-calibre runners like Azariah John, who Lefever calls a tremendous talent. John hobbled in the 4x100m B.C. championships to help his team get the bronze.
The team has added a new head coach in Karl Jones. He was ranked between first and third in the nation in the 60m to 400m distances in 1987 and 1988. He was also an All-American with the University of Oklahoma State, and ran a world class 10:19 time in the 100 m sprint before injuries forced him to retire.
He will be running with the team for 2016 and guiding the sprinters as the team’s head coach
Stephen Abosi is looking to join the team after he fulfills his commitment with UBC, and is one of the top three sprinters in the province.
Lefever said the team is going to be able to compete at high levels in the U.S. and Canada.
“With new master sprinters joining the team and new sprinters taking up the sport for the very first time, our team is inclusive and wants everyone who seeks to learn the art, technique and power of running fast to join us in 2016,” he said.
“We want to encourage any Maple Ridge resident, 18 or older, including masters who may want to join a sprint club that promotes a positive environment in training and competition, to take a look at our club,” said Lefever.
• He can be reached at 604-463-4191.