Dec. 18, 2010
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By Pat Salvas
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - It may have rained outside, but that didn't stop the more than 50 campers from making their way inside for Carly Smith Gilbert's 2010 Track Academy. The UCF track and field head coach hosted the annual event Saturday morning with its largest turnout.
"I am always very excited for these camps," said Smith Gilbert. "It was great to see all these kids come out today and participating in all the areas and events. To have a day that really brings the whole UCF track community together and share that with these kids is always fun for me, the other coaches and our team."
With the inclement weather moving the camp from the UCF Track & Field Complex inside, the coaches split up the campers into groups. Those campers in throws and jumps moved to the UCF men's basketball practice facility, while sprinters and hurdlers were in the women's basketball facility.
Both groups came together to listen to coaches Jeff Chakouian, Paul Brown and athletes talk about what it takes to be a successful Division I collegiate athlete. One of those athletes to talk to the campers was Jackie Coward, the first UCF track athlete to garner All-American honors last season.
Coward talked about the rigors of being a student-athlete at such a high level, but also discussed the rewards of hard work both on the track and in the classroom. She talked about how her grades and her schoolwork are something that she is as proud of as her accolades and recognition for her work on the track.
UCF will begin its indoor season Jan. 14 at the Kentucky Invitational in Lexington.