History
History
Embedded Files
Established in 1967 by the late Dr. John H. Hewlett III, we are the oldest continuously operating track club in the USATF Mid Atlantic Association. Since 1967, we have had only three head coaches: Dr. Hewlett, William Gravely, and Eric Horsey. This is a testament to the stability of our leadership and the steadfastness of focus on the mission of our organization. Our club, using track and field as a vehicle for healthy competition and learning, has promoted the ideals of sportsmanship, and tolerance for individual differences and group diversity. Our Mission is to continue the rich tradition of the West Chester Track Club by motivating the youth under our direction to achieve at their highest level of excellence on the track, in their communities, and in the classroom.
Former Presidents
Dr. John H. Hewlett, III
Dr. John H. Hewlett, III
Dr. Hewlett is a graduate of Hampton University and received his Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Hewlett's contributions to the West Chester Community are too numerous to mention. He was the Director of Human Resources for the West Chester Area School District. Early in his career, Dr. Hewlett taught science at Henderson High School and coached track & field. We sometimes think that our accomplishments are solely our own. We forget that no one gets anywhere without the help of many people; some of whom we will never know, yet they are there when we need them the most. They unselfishly work behind the scenes to open the doors of opportunity for those who might never get an opportunity. When we reflect upon how far we have come along life's winding road, let us not forget those like John Hewlett who soften the curves and level the hills, and fix our vision on the grander prize at the end of the journey.
Bill Gravely
Bill Gravely
Bill Gravely was Head Coach of the West Chester Track Club from 1999 to 2005. Under Coach Gravely's leadership the club increased its participant base outside the West Chester Borough. Coach Gravely is credited with instituting the dual-track system whereby athletes could participate in both AAU and USATF Junior Olympics. Coach Gravely also systemized athlete documentation, the club fee structure, and was instrumental in designing the WCTC uniform. Coach Gravely along with Coach Horsey is credited with acquiring permission to use the Downingtown East High School Track for practices. Bill is a graduate of Bucknell University where he was inducted in their Hall of Fame for his athletic accomplishments in Track and Field. Bill continues with the WCTC as an Adjunct Coach and Advisor.
Bucknell University Athletics Hall of Fame 1998 Inductee
Eric Horsey
Eric Horsey
Eric Horsey started his 32-year coaching career in 1989 as the assistant track and cross-country coach for Cheyney University, and in 1994 became the head track coach at Devon Prep.
He was appointed head track coach at the Church Farm School in 1996 and during the next fourteen years his teams won the Keystone League track and field team championships (1998, 2001 & 2003). In 2004 and 2005, the team won the Pennsylvania Independent School Track and Field championships. Shortly after Church Farm School joined the PIAA, the track team won the 2009 District I Championships.
Eric was named Delaware Valley Track Coach of the Year by the Philadelphia Inquirer (2001) and Track Coach of the Year by the Daily Local News (2004, 2009 & 2015).
Since 2011 Eric has continued his success as track and field coach at Downingtown East High School. The Ches-Mont division 4X400 relay won the Penn Relays in 2014. In 2015 the DHS East team won the 100, 200 and 4 X100 at the PIAA meet.
Eric was also the head coach of the West Chester Track Club, one of the oldest track programs in the Delaware Valley. Many of his athletes have competed in AAU and USA Track and Field Junior Olympic meets.
Google Sites
Report abuse