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Just a few Lightning facts - Did you know?
Lightning DNA
The Dale City “LIGHTNING” Track Club (DCTC) was established in 2010, as a track and field running club for boys and girls. DCTC is a 501(c)3 organization and our mission is to offer youth a positive environment that is fun, competitive, social, and informative about the sport of track and field.
We’re a volunteer based organization, serving over 300 youth athletes annually in the sport of track and field. We pride ourselves for our family environment.
During 2023, our athletes made noise at the high school and collegiate level, noting several New Balance, Adidas and NCAA Conference recognitions.
We had three athletes (Lena Gooden, Naomi and Paige Woolfolk) named as Extraordinary Teens by Prince William Living Magazine.
The organization was also able to award 4 graduating athletes with book scholarships.
Our hard work in the community was recognized by the Knights of Columbus, who awarded the organized with the Charity of the Year (1st Runner Up) award.
During the summer competitive season, Cameron McDuffie made a huge splash during the USA Track & Field National Junior Olympic with an All-American finish. Our athletes also made a strong showing during the AAU National Junior Olympics - Michael James Jr. medaled in Shot Put, Discus and Javelin, Silease James took silver in Shot Put, Discus and Javelin and Tyler Robinson earned All-American status in the 800m.
Our Cross Country Season broke records! Chase Berisha - broke the Virginia State record for the VA Middle / Elementary School Cross Country Championship. Chase also earned All-American status taking 5th at the AAU National Cross Country Championships. We also had a great showing during the USATF Cross Country Junior Olympics - Courtney Johnson placed 1st, Sebastian Cooke placed 3rd in their respective events.
Hardwork
We’re excited to announce we have 49 athletes qualified to compete in the AAU National Junior Olympic Games being held in Greensboro, NC in August 2022.
Within 2022, we had 19 National AAU Indoor Championship medalists. Our high school athletes also had a standout year with 3 New Balance Indoor National and 3 Nike Indoor National medalists. Lean Gooden, Osbourne Park Junior had a stellar year and was named 2022 Spring All-Met 1st Team athlete. Additionally, our athletes excelled off of the track - Jordyn Evans, Raven Evans and Raniah Singleton were named Extraordinary Teens by Prince William Living Magazine.
The organization recognized our long-standing graduating seniors with scholarships of $500 each.
During 2021, we had a record breaking Indoor Season with our 17-18 year girls breaking the National AAU Indoor Championships meet record and taking gold in the 4x200m relays. Lightning’s own Lena Gooden, was named Gatorade Player of the Year for her standout performance during her high school season. We had over 24 All-American medalists during the USA Track and Field Outdoor Junior Olympics. We are also excited to be named an 2021 AAU Club of the Year.
In 2020, we were featured in NOVEC Cooperative Magazine for our commitment to youth athletics during the pandemic. You can check out the full feature here.
In 2019, we were awarded the National Club of the Year by AAU and Top 100 Club. We partnered with the Prince William County Community Foundation to combat childhood obesity within the community. Lightning also had 6 Cross Country athletes finish Top 3 in the Virginia District Country Championship, 49 athletes qualified to compete at the AAU National Junior Olympic Games and 27 National medalists at the 2019 AAU National Indoor Championships.
Additionally, we’ve been recognized by the Prince William County Board of Supervisors and Gatorade for our community involvement and impact on youth sports.
Dedication
In 2018, Lightning earned the AAU Indoor National Championship Title for the 9-10 girls 4x200m relay team. We had 33 athletes qualified to compete at the USATF National Junior Olympic Championship Games, with a National Medalist for Long Jump.
The organization was nominated for the Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Award by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
We were also awarded AAU District Club of the Year.
In 2017, Dale City Track Club had 25 athletes medal at the AAU Indoor National Championship, 58 athletes qualified to compete in the National Junior Olympic Games, with (4) Top 8 national medals and a 2017 National Champion Title for the 8-under boys 4x100m relay team.
#GoLightning
In addition to our athletics, we partner with local organizations to provide academic support for athletes. Each year, we partner with local non-profits to provide non-perishable items to our community. Lastly, we provide book scholarships to our graduating seniors.
Consider sponsoring an athlete or becoming a Lightning Community Partner. Email us to learn how you can become a member of the Lightning Family.