The Ron Beasley Youth Track & Field Grant Program (“Beasley Bucks”) supports middle and high school track and cross country programs at Washtenaw County schools.

Ron Beasley, AATC Board President 1999 – 2003, has been a key player in the AATC for 40 years. As volunteer director of the AATC youth division for 23 years, he built a robust program, now under YMCA leadership, that conveyed the joy of running to thousands of youth.  Beasley Bucks honors Ron’s contributions to the Track Club, the running community, and numerous individual runners and families.

Beasley Bucks provides grants of up to $2,000.  Schools may apply for funds to cover:

  • new equipment;
  • maintenance of existing equipment/track surface; or
  • athlete support (shoes, warm-ups, travel costs, meet fees, summer running camps).

More information available here.  Stay tuned for 2025 deadlines.

2024 Ron Beasley Grant recipients:

Saline High ($2000) – to enhance their cross country course, enabling larger events.

Ypsilanti Community High ($2000) – for a new record board combining the former records for Willow Run and Ypsi HS, and the new records for the combined Ypsilanti Community HS.

Ron’s Key Accomplishments with the AATC Youth Club

Twenty-three continuous years of volunteer support for youth track & field (2000 – 2022).

  • Two RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) awards:
    • 2007 Central Region Youth Program Director of the Year
    • 2009 National Outstanding Youth Program Director of the Year.
  • (4) USATF Foundation Grants totaling nearly $6000.
  • 2017 Coaching Legends Middle School Cross-Country Classic co-honoree.
  • Numerous track & field and cross-country meets organized.
  • Over 500 youth athletes participated in the club over Ron’s 23 years of service to the youth club

Beasley Grant Program

Ron (in front) running a 2:01 800
at the CCR track meet in 1999.