Running events a family affair
for the Pinkstons
- By Doug Kurtis
07/05/02
With little fanfare, a small running world is based in
Detroit. Residents Cassandra Pinkston and her husband, Eugene, are just a few
of the great supporters and coaches who participate in one of the dozen or so
track clubs for local children.
As often as twice a week, their four children compete in
area races and regional meets as far away as Missouri. It's an expensive hobby,
but the Pinkstons appear unfazed by the costs. Instead, the sport builds
cohesion among their family.
Last Saturday, at a state USA Track and Field meet in
Canton, I watched their 10-year-old twins, Shaniece and Shariece, run distance
relays and 11-year-old Shariah participate in the high jump. The kids also
compete in races up to 3,000 meters. Thirteen-year-old Eugene Pinkston took a
break from running this particular day.
The younger Eugene's friendship with a neighbor transformed
the Pinkston family. Three years ago, Eugene started running with his friend,
whose father was helping coach the kids. One day, the father had some other
business to attend to, so Eugene's dad was asked to help out. Not wanting to
leave the girls behind, he asked them if they wanted to run, too. A joyous yes
turned into practicing every day at Mumford High or Windsor's St. Denis during
the winter months. They eventually began competing in meets, which produced
plenty of medals.
Once the Pinkston children discovered they had some talent,
they searched for kids with similar goals. They started out running for the
Motor City Track Club. Last December, the twins earned All-America honors for
their club while competing at the national AAU cross-country meet in Orlando.
The girls have now teamed up with the Lightning Lynx, based in Lansing, for
their track relay races.
If you are interested in running track, Mumford High offers
practice sessions Monday through Thursday from 3-7:30 p.m. Call Darnell Hall at
the Police Athletic League at 313-596-1751 for more information.
BALL ON BELLE ISLE: Almost 20,000 kids will descend onto Belle Isle on
Wednesday July 10th for the 20th annual Metro Detroit Youth Day. It's an entire day devoted to
kids' participation in athletic events and demonstrations, along with music,
sports celebrities and lunch, all for free. For more information, call
586-393-8800.
Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St.
Detroit, 48226
or [email protected]
