Jorge Barrientos ads during the Superbowl were unfortunately played in the 3rd quarter and we could tell he was disappointed. Maybe next year they will make it into the first half! We are still proud of you, Jorge!
John Schuler saw Mike McCoy and said he looked great! We look forward to seeing Mike return to Rotary. The Club did send him an Edible Arrangement (fresh fruit!) as a get-well gesture!
March 10 will be the Bakersfield Leadership and Ethics Conference. Kat Cowles presented and 8 dedicated Rotarians raised their hands to be a part. Way to go!
When a slide deck starts like this, you know you're in for a dynamic presentation.
Program:
Coach Ryan and the KCXC Elite program are dedicated to fostering athletic and personal growth, operating under the principle of "Making Dreams Come True with Teamwork." The program's mission is to offer young athletes, including those from diverse economic backgrounds, opportunities for national-level athletic competition. This experience is designed to be a comprehensive journey, emphasizing character development, teamwork, and a sense of community, rather than solely focusing on the outcome of an event. Coach Ryan and his wife Stacy aim to model these values, contributing to an environment where athletes can develop not only physically but also in terms of character and sportsmanship.
A key component supporting the KCXC Elite's endeavors is its scholarship program, established by Coach Ryan and an advisory committee in 2012. This initiative provides financial assistance for travel expenses, helping eligible athletes and their families participate in national AAU and USATF events. Funding is sourced from various community contributions, including businesses, grants, and individual donors, with an annual average of around $120,000-$140,000. These funds are managed through an advisory committee and often involve fundraising efforts by the athletes themselves, aiming to support broad participation and the program's long-term viability.
The KCXC Elite program has seen considerable success over its history, with hundreds of athletes participating in National Championship events. The organization has accumulated a notable number of AAU and USATF National Medals. Past achievements include teams attaining All-American status in relays, strong placements in Cross Country age-group divisions, and winning National Championships. Coach Ryan often references specific team successes as examples of how a collective team spirit and a collaborative approach can lead to significant accomplishments. He expresses appreciation for the support from everyone involved, recognizing that these contributions are vital to the program's ability to provide these opportunities to young athletes.
OK, his slides were a bit dense, but Coach Ryan has a heart of gold!