[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14726]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO JAGUAR TRACK CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2016

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 20th anniversary of 
the Jaguar Track Club, a competitive track program for youth ages 7-18 
in South Orange, Maplewood, and surrounding communities in the 10th 
district of New Jersey. Founders Maurice and Daneen Cooper, Andrea 
Johnson, and Carl Lea held their first practice at Underhill Field in 
April 1996 and have been serving the public ever since.
  The program's motto is ``train your body to lead, train your body to 
follow.'' Not only are these young athletes exercising their bodies 
physically, but they are working their minds concurrently to become 
productive members of society. Each youth is trained to run sprint, 
middle, and long distances, as well as field events such as hurdles, 
shot put, discus, and long jump. However, the program also builds self-
esteem, promotes physical fitness, teaches positive social skills, 
develops responsibility, and requires maintenance of academic 
excellence.
  Over 2,000 athletes have gone through the Jaguar Track Club; many 
have continued their love for track in college and beyond. A number of 
the youth have achieved the distinction of All American, participated 
in Olympic trials, and even represented the United States in the 
Olympics.
  On December 28, 2016, the Jaguar Track Club will celebrate its 20th 
anniversary and the common bond shared of being a Jaguar. I am honored 
to recognize the athletes, parents, and coaches that have all 
participated throughout these past two decades. Congratulations once 
again to the Jaguar Track Club.

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