Unified-N-Flight Youth Track Club is a non-profit, volunteer sports organization that provides safe and educational fitness activities for children ages 8 - 18. Our purpose is to directly introduce and instruct our members in proper techniques and training to compete in track and field. We will teach self-discipline thus incurring values in building self-esteem and aid in obtaining goals in school as well as life.
Unified-N-Flight was born out of the heart of Darryl Grant of Akron, Ohio
. Darryl fell in love with the sport while competing during his high school and college days. He began his coaching career in 1981 on the high school level, becoming certified as a coach by the Ohio Department of Education in 1982. Continuing his love for the sport through coaching, Darryl relocated to Georgia where he became Head Coach for TA's Up-Starts Youth Track Club in 1993. He acquired Level I Track and Field Coaching Certification before returning to his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
Upon his return to Akron, Darryl realized that there was no active youth track club in the area. While observing the local high school talent, he decided to see if he could provide a start for younger athletes. Calling on his previous experiences in coaching and involvement with TA's Up-Starts, he called upon a few old contacts that he thought would be interested. Regina King, Tim Powe, and Ronda Wicks responded with the same burning desire he felt to provide such a vehicle to the area youth.
On March 19, 2000, Unified-N-Flight was born at the first meeting of its Board of Founders at the Arabica Coffee House located on West Market Street, Akron, Ohio. Later joined by Denise Brandon, Jeanett Keith, and Cynthia Grayson, the club completed our first successful season in 2000.
Having completed three successful seasons with 27 athletes competing in the National Junior Olympics Championship in Sacramento, CA. in 2001 and 32 athletes competing in Omaha, NE in 2002, bringing back to Akron two National Finalists, Unified-N-Flight has been the foundation for the renewed interest in youth track and field in the Akron area. In recognition of our accomplishments, the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics Committee of Akron requested Unified-N-Flight's participation in the Olympic Torch Relay as the torch passed through our city in January 2002.
