The future of the Mount Si High School track and field program is looking rosy, thanks to a local youth organization.

The Snoqualmie Valley Track Club serves young athletes, ages 5 to 14, from throughout the area. The club, which formed in 1999 as a part of Snoqualmie Valley’s Youth HUB program, has been based at the Si View Metro Parks district for the last several years.

“We’re out here to introduce the kids to the sport of track, see if they like it,” said club Director Aaron Colby, who is the youth sports specialist for Si View Metro Parks. “Our philosophy is mostly to have some fun, enjoy the time.”

While turnout has been good — the club has drawn as many as 56 athletes this season — Colby is looking for more.

“We want to expand it,” he said. “We really think the sport of track is a growing sport.”

Snoqualmie resident Josie Mitrovic is seeing the club have a major impact on her daughter, Scarlett. Scarlett, who just turned 4, is a first-year competitor, mainly in the 25 and 50 meter races, and has already won numerous ribbons for successful performances.

Mitrovic believes that her daughter’s success inspires many of the older children.

“It motivates other kids because they see that she has won first place and second place, and they want to win, too,” Mitrovic said. “She’s got all these big kids giving her high fives.”

Part of what makes the club run well is volunteer support, much of which comes from parents and Mount Si students and coaches. Recently graduated Mount Si student Zander Nelson, who starred on the boys’ basketball team, said it’s all about giving back.

“I love the Valley. I’ve just got to help out the kids in the Valley, make sure they have a good future,” Nelson said.

Volunteer coaches have been especially important.

“I cannot take all the credit for this,” Colby said. “Most of the credit has to go to our coaches,” who have done a phenomenal job this year.

Club meets have a number of events, including such staples as the 100 and 200 meter races and the 4×100 relay, along with a softball throw and a javelin throw. Their season starts early in the spring and wraps up at the end of July.

“Sign up,” Mitrovic said. “It’s never too late to join and your kids will develop in a way that they probably won’t expect.”

Learn more at www.siviewpark.org.