“We have been engaging in track and field activities with kids and young adults to help strengthen these individuals mentally and physically by using experience, exercise, action, and service,” said McCullar. “I use mentoring methods and other educational avenues that will enhance life-long successful habits.”
McCullar, a formmer member of the Terrell High School track team, said he decided to start his athletic club to provide greater resources for today’s youth. “I wanted to give these students what I had growing up,” McCullar said. “A chance to compete at the highest level with a strong and loving support system.”
Recently, Terrell Prime Track Club athletes and Terrell ISD students, Orlando Thompson, Jonathan Maxie and Aliviya Thompson competed at the National Junior Olympics in North Carolina. At the meet, Thompson finished 6th in the nation in the 200m and 9th in 400m. He also achieved All-American status in the 200m. Thompson is currently ranked as the top 13-year-old 400m runner in the state of Texas.
Next summer, McCullar says he hopes to have more of his athletes compete in the Junior Olympics and he hopes to continue to inspire more student athletes in Terrell through mentoring and coaching in partnership with other organizations in the city.
“I want keep training and helping these athletes accomplish their goals on and off the track,” said McCullar. “Next season I want to take 10-15 athletes to compete in the Junior Olympics. This is just one door that will open more doors for their future.”
In addition to athletic mentoring and training, McCullar challenges his students to work just as diligently in the classroom as they do on the track.
“I encourage them to stay students before anything, because if you cannot pass classes you will not have to opportunity to play sports,” shared McCullar.“Each student athlete I coached this summer were all models of what a student athlete should be; students with great grades and great character.”