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Track clubs ask Richland 2 board to restore Spring Valley track access for summer practices
Summary
Representatives of Team Blaze Track Club and Max Speed Performance and Fitness urged the Richland 2 board during public participation to allow continued use of Spring Valley High School's track so youth athletes can train for AAU and USATF competitions.
At the June 10, 2025, Richland 2 board meeting, four community speakers representing Team Blaze Track Club and Max Speed Performance and Fitness asked the board to allow continued access to Spring Valley High School's track so their youth athletes can continue summer practices.
Why it matters: speakers said the programs provide coaching, mentoring and structure for children across the district and that losing access to a school track would harm athletes preparing for regional and national meets.
What speakers said
Earl Chestnut, representing Max Speed Performance and Fitness and Team Blaze Track Club, told trustees the groups have worked with the district for four years and have used Spring Valley's track for practices. "It's been . . . very complicated to be able to continue those practice[s] with these kids," Chestnut said, adding that many of the athletes are district students and that the teams represent South Carolina in AAU and USATF track and field.
Nate Gant, who said Team Blaze has been established since 2008, asked the board for support and described the program as a positive community resource that helps keep youth engaged. "We just need help from the board, because we getting pushed back and we are trying to present a positive environment and it's safe for the kids," Gant told trustees.
Dr. Ashley Knoll, professor and co‑director of a health education research and training center at South Carolina State University, spoke as a parent and emphasized the club's broader role. "Team Blaze is more than a track club. We are a family, a mentoring space, and a launching pad for youth who are striving to reach their full potential," she said, and noted the club emphasizes academic accountability and life skills.
No formal action recorded
Speakers asked specifically for continued access to Spring Valley's track; at the June 10 meeting the board did not take formal action on the requests. Trustees thanked the speakers and asked staff to consider ways to support summer programming. Community members and parents in the room were encouraged by trustees to continue to engage with district leadership to identify safe training sites.
