ANN ARBOR YOUTH TRACK CLUB
Established by Bryan Westfield
Bryan Westfield established the Ann Arbor Youth Track club in 1976, a true trailblazer he created the club before MHSAA-sanctioned track and field.
Westfield was born in Detroit Michigan but made Ann Arbor his home. After graduating from Ann Arbor High School he earnd varsity letters at Cornell University in both track and field and football. After college Westfield had a quick stent with the New York Giants would you rarely discussed but was quit an accomplishment, he also was a participant in the USA Olympic trials.
Westfield moved back to Ann Arbor and was hired by Maxey Boys Training School as their Athletic Director, earned a Masters at Wayne State University. Soon after that he started his tenure at Ann Arbor Public School. While at Ann Arbor Pioneer he started the basic education program, The Pioneer Gospel choir and taught biology and science for over 40 years. Coach Westfield created a championship winning program in Ann Arbor, 16 State Championship titles, 6 runner-up finishes, 3 Cross Country State Championships and 6 runner up finishes.
Westfield is responsible for over 243 All-State Track and Cross-Country runner recipients and 59 All-Americans! He was named National High School Coach of the Year in 2002, 2003, 2007, and 2008 and in 2014 he was inducted into the Michigan Track Coaches Hall of Fame.
FUN FACT: He was nominated by his peers 34 times for Michigan Track/Cross Country Coach of the year, and he won 17 times.
Westfield’s impact on the track and field community was truly remarkable, whats most notable about his life was his commitment to his family and never ending support provided to youth and his commuinty. The number of young women he sent to college that walked away debt-free is countless, the life lessons he taught were invaluable. And we can’t forget he LOVED to sing, he was also a devoted member of Bethel A.M.E. Church and active choir member where he sang in numerous choirs.
Paying it Forward
Ann Arbor Youth Track Club was established by Bryan J. Westfield almost 50 years ago, before his passing he asked if I would continue on the traditions of Ann Arbor Youth Track Club. Those traditions include instilling life skills needed for our next journey off the track and working to pursue Collegiate Athletics debt free if possible.
Westfield and Ann Arbor Youth armed us with the confidence we needed for life's unpredictable adventures. Through his devotion and commitment, Hundreds of young women have been awarded athletic and academic scholarships to attend the universities and colleges of their choice. Myself included, I was awarded a full-athletic scholarship to The University of Southern California and walked away DEBT FREE!
Keeping Tradition STRONG
My first pair of track spikes came from Coach Westfield out of the lost and found box. I am fully committed to keeping this program affordable and functioning for all that are dedicated and committed. The skills and lessons I have learned through my travels as a high school, collegiate and professional athletes give me the knowledge I need to steer the ship correctly for these young athletes.
Although I am equipped with a coaching skills to continue Westfields tradition I need the support of the community to continue building and strengthening a program for years to come. Ann Arbor Youth Track remains a rooted program providing physical mental and spiritual strength to young athletes.
WE NEED YOU
If you have been impacted or influenced by a coach or a member of the community that provided life-changing guidance, and you find purpose in our program please donate any resources you find valuable for Ann Arbor Youth Track Club .
