Pitman High coach Thad Moren and a group of youth track and field athletes are making one of the biggest trips of their athletic lives.

Moren’s Team Olympians produced 11 kids from Turlock who qualified for next week’s USATF National Junior Olympic Championships, but the coach noted only five will likely compete in the prestigious event in Wichita, Kan. Moren also said he and his athletes began their road trip on Tuesday.

Taking place from July 26-31 at Wichita State’s Cessna Stadium, the Junior Olympics is considered the most visible youth athletic development program in the world. As the USA Track & Field website states, “Many of today’s Olympic stars began their track and field careers competing in the USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships.”

The five Turlock athletes who will compete in this year’s event include: Cerah Moren (javelin/discus), Bryan Rosales (hammer/shot/discus), Sean Donnelly (hammer/shot/discus), Brooke Vierra (discus) and Kiana Clay (sprints).

To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.