Who is KY
KY Track Club is a federally tax-exempt non-profit corporation that has nearly 50 years of history in working with children ages six to nineteen in East Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. The organization is administered by a group of volunteers including a Board of Directors, Officers, and Coaches. None of the persons involved in the club receive any financial benefit for their services.
History
In 1976, Johnny Thomas, former head coach of track & field at Southern University, and Edward James, a local attorney founded K-Y Track Club as an all-girls’ organization to enhance and promote track and field in East Baton Rouge Parish. The organization was incorporated as K-Y (Keeping Young) Track Club and became a member of the National USA Track & Field Southern Association organizational structure. Five years later in 1981, a boy’s program was included as a part of the organization.
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During the first five years of operation, KY was funded and sponsored by the Mayor's Council on Youth Opportunity under the administration of Mayor Woody Dumas. In 1992, the federal program of revenue sharing was discontinued, causing the club to dwindle tremendously in finances and athletes. It was during these crucial times that KY became a self-supporting organization by utilizing fund raising activities such as car washes, sponsoring raffles, selling various items and hosting their own invitational track meet.
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Even through the tough years of the program, the KY staff remained committed to developing the total athlete, stressing academic excellence as the key variable to producing great athletes and students. The staff included a Board of Directors, Officers, Administrative Personnel, and Coaches all of whom are volunteers.
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In 1998, the organization changed its name to Betty Smothers K-Y Track Club in honor of a longtime parent in the organization who was killed in 1993 while working a second job to support her family. As the head of household, parent of six children, full-time police officer, and part-time security worker, she never complained of difficult times, but worked hard so that her children and others "could be the best that they can be in all that they do". While all her children participated in summer track with the club, her legacy continues through sons Warrick, former Chairman of the Board, and Derrick, former Board Member and assistant coach, and her mother Ms. Willie Wheeler. Ms. Wheeler is still plays an active role and participates in fund-raising activities.
In 2019, the club changed its name from the Betty Smothers K-Y Track Club to KY Track Club
