Mr. Walton emphasized two points:

These principles have been followed ever since.

Chicago Amateur Athlete Magazine wrote about the UCTC Youth Program in their June 2007 issue. A web version of the article can be found at this link:

http://www.chicagoaa.com/features/june07activekids.html

Training takes place on the U. of Chicago campus: in the Henry Crown Field House during the cold part of the year and usually on Stagg field outdoors. However, the track at Stagg field is being renovated so the Youth Group trains nearby at the Jackson Park track. The Jackson Park track is located just east of Stony Island at 61st St.

Parents were involved in the program from the start. Greg Beacham quickly became an assistant to Mr. Walton. Tyrone Roberts became involved a short time later when his two sons became members. In the mid-1990's Wayne Holloway, whose son was also an early member, began training those of the group who lived further south at Homewood-Flossmoor High School outdoors. This south group continued until 2004.

When Mr. Walton retired from coaching the youth program after the 2000 outdoor season, Greg Beacham became head coach. Currently the program has three coaches:

The focus of the outdoor season is usually the USATF Junior Olympics. To compete at the national level, one must first qualify at the state and then at the regional level. By the national meet, only the best in the country are left to compete. In most years, we have had at least one member compete in the nationals. In addition, members compete in local youth meets, some of the AAU youth meets, and in the UCTC open meets.

By now, hundreds of youth have participated in the program. Because of proximity, the athletes primarily come from the South Side of Chicago, but others have always been welcome. There are approximately 50 young people currently involved.

The young people who have been members of the UCTC youth program have gone on to distinguish themselves. Some have won high school state track and field championships, some have placed well in national level youth track meets, many have gone on to major colleges and universities, and all have become productive citizens of whom we are very proud.