Image credit: CFJC Today/Anthony Corea

By Marty Hastings

AT HILLSIDE STADIUM

Kamloops Track and Field Club touts increasing membership as outdoor season gets underway

Apr 17, 2025 | 4:25 PM

KAMLOOPS — Jack Maryniuk and Alivia English bolted through fresh air on Wednesday (April 16) at Hillside Stadium — the Kamloops and Track and Field Club runners and hurdlers relishing the start of outdoor season.

“Just the atmosphere, the people,” said English, a Grade 9 student at South Kamloops Secondary. “Everyone is so nice. It’s such a supportive group. The vibes are just really good. We all know we have goals and we’re pushing each other.”

Added 19-year-old Maryniuk: “Just get out here and try it. That’s the best thing I can say.”

Sprints and hurdles coach Christine Yamaoka said club numbers have grown since the COVID-19 pandemic, which was tough on all local sports clubs, but perhaps more lenient on track and field.

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She said the individual nature of many disciplines made it attractive when distancing restrictions were in place, which brought some new faces to the club.

“Supportive, positive. We cheer each other on,” Yamaoka said. “We want to create a love of the sport, a love of activity, of getting out and doing things.”

There are more than 250 registered members for the outdoor season and there is still time to sign up, according to club president Judy Armstrong.

Maryniuk and English have goals that include reaching provincial championships, national championships and the Canada Summer Games, along with cracking Team B.C. rosters.

Club meets in Kamloops this summer include the Battle of B.C. on April 26 and the Dylan Armstrong Classic, which is slated for May 2 and May 3.

The North and West Okanagan Zone High School Championships are scheduled for May 6 and the B.C. Interior Elementary School Championships will run on June 14.

“It’s amazing competing at home, both indoors and outdoors,” Maryniuk said. “I like competing here more than anywhere else. Being able to be cheered on by your home crowd, it’s amazing.”

Neither English nor Maryniuk had much interest in track in elementary school, but they stumbled into it and they’re glad they did.

“You learn how to push yourself in ways you never really thought you could,” English said.

Added Maryniuk: “I got into it because my parents recommended me going to a track meet. I wasn’t overly interested at first, but they kind of pushed me to do it and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

MANURE SALE

The KTFC is putting on a mushroom manure sale.

Place orders online at kamtrack.ca or by calling 250-851-2512 and pick up bags between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at 1452 McGill Rd.