AAU Track and Field Announces 2020 Award Winners

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Amateur Athletic Union announced its National Track and Field award winners for the 2020 season. The 2020 campaign wrapped up at the AAU Junior Olympic Games, which was held on the Space Coast area of Florida. Approximately 2,100 athletes participated with five records being broken at the season-ending event earlier this month.
 

James Wilkerson, National Coach of the Year, Zone A Coach of the Year
James Wilkerson was named the National Coach of the Year and Zone A Coach of the Year for his efforts to build successful athletes and young citizens both on and off the track. Runners from his club set indoor records in the 400m and 60m as well as the 4x200m 4x400m. When the runners aren’t tearing it up on the track, Wilkerson’s club also participates in food and clothing drives for those in need. Wilkerson also enforces a strict “no grades, no run” philosophy with his athletes.


 

Nile Legania, Zone B Coach of the Year
Nile Legania received the Zone B Coach of the Year award after taking 20 athletes to the AAU Championships and bringing home 15 medals. Additionally, Legania works tirelessly with inner-city youth and organizes drives for the homeless in his community.

Thomas Boatright, Zone C Coach of the Year

After growing his club from just 10 athletes in 1988 to 100 members currently, Thomas Boatright was honored as the Zone C Coach of the Year. Over the years, Boatright has helped more than 60 athletes earn college scholarships and even sent one to the 2016 Olympics.


 

Willie Harmatz, Zone D Coach of the Year
Willie Harmatz was named the Zone D Coach of the Year. He owns a specialty running store and uses it to reach and mentor youth athletes. Harmatz doesn’t charge athletes to participate in his club and has produced multiple cross country national champions.

Delaware Elite Track Club, National Club of the Year, Zone A Club of the Year
The National Club of the Year award was given to Delaware Elite Track Club from Zone A. Not only did this club excel in meets, but it also contributes greatly to its local community. Athletes from Delaware Elite broke the 4x200m record at the Millrose Games, the girls high-jump at the Colgate Games at the boys high-jump record at the 2019 AAU Junior Olympic Games. Off the track, the club donated over 200 toys to the local Toys for Tots program and hundreds of clothing items to the homeless in the Wilmington community.

NOLA Sprint Track Club, Zone B Club of the Year
NOLA Sprint Track Club was honored with the Zone B Club of the Year award, for its tremendous accomplishments on the track and generous contributions to the community. NOLA Sprint’s athletes received 21 medals at the 2019 AAU Club Championships and twice a year, serve the New Orleans community with a “Feed the Homeless” program.

Janis Henderson, Mary Sparn Official of the Year

Longtime AAU official Janis Henderson, who passed away a few months ago, was presented posthumously with the Mary Sparn Official of the Year award. Henderson served in the AAU for over 23 years at the district, regional and national levels and was known for her diligence and fairness. She was considered by many to be the model of an AAU volunteer and exemplified all the values of an AAU official.
 

For more information on AAU Track and Field, visit the sport website here.