GRACEAC Track & Field

Faith • Teamwork • Dedication • Personal Growth

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

GRACEAC Track & Field operates as a Catholic United sport, bringing together student-athletes from GRACEAC member schools to form combined teams and compete in track meets throughout the area.

The program focuses on:

• Developing running and field event skills
• Building strength, confidence, and endurance
• Creating teamwork and friendships across schools
• Encouraging personal improvement
• Promoting sportsmanship and Catholic fellowship

TEAM STRUCTURE (CATHOLIC UNITED MODEL)

GRACEAC Track is divided into two Catholic United teams:

Catholic United West (CUW)

Catholic United East (CUE)

Athletes from GRACEAC member schools combine to compete as Catholic United teams.

AGE DIVISIONS

Beginning in 2026, GRACEAC Track will offer two athlete divisions:

Elementary Division

Grades 3rd / 4th / 5th

Middle School Division

Grades 6th / 7th / 8th

Events will include separate divisions for:

• 3rd/4th/5th Grade Athletes
• 6th–8th Grade Boys
• 6th–8th Grade Girls

A complete event list for the 3rd/4th/5th Grade Division will be released soon.

PROGRAM ORGANIZATION

Although Track is a Catholic United sport, team details are organized through GRACEAC, including:

• Coach assignments
• Practice schedules
• Practice locations
• Uniform information
• Meet schedules

Track meets may be held at:

West Catholic High School

Catholic Central Athletic Fields (The CAT)

Grand Rapids Christian

Other area schools as availability allows

Meet dates will be announced as soon as schedules are finalized.

SEASON INFORMATION

Spring Season

Practices Begin: Mid-March

Practice Limits

Preseason

• Up to 3 practices per week
• Maximum 6 hours per week

Regular Season

• Up to 3 practices per week
• Maximum 6 hours per week

Regular season meets will begin after Spring Break and Holy Week.

Postseason tournaments will be completed before Memorial Day weekend.

TRACK MEET INFORMATION

Track meets are longer events and may take several hours to complete.

Families should plan accordingly:

• Dress athletes appropriately for changing weather conditions
• Bring water and snacks
• Be prepared for a full day of competition

GRACEAC will provide:

• Event schedules
• Approximate race times
• Order of events

Please remember:

Race times are estimates and may change based on:

• Number of athletes
• Meet delays
• Weather
• Other event factors

EVENT INFORMATION

Athletes will compete in events based on age division.

6th–8th Grade Division

May include:

• Running events
• Field events
• Hurdles

3rd/4th/5th Grade Division

The elementary division will focus on introducing athletes to track fundamentals.

Elementary athletes:

• Participate in running events
• Do not compete in field events
• Do not compete in hurdles

A complete elementary event list will be announced soon.

SEASON AT A GLANCE

Program: GRACEAC Track & Field

Format: Catholic United Teams

Teams: CUW & CUE

Season: Spring

Grades: 3rd–8th Grade

Meet Locations:

• West Catholic High School
• The CAT
• Grand Rapids Christian
• Other approved locations

Season Ends: Before Memorial Day Weekend

Communication: TeamSnap

Catholic United Mission

The program focuses on:

• Building strong student-athletes
• Teaching fundamentals and technique of the game
• Promoting teamwork, dignity, and respect
• Preparing athletes for high school athletics
• Creating a positive Catholic community experience