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NILES — A local AAU track team recently celebrated its season with its inaugural team banquet. 

Friends and family gathered at St. Mark Catholic Parish Saturday, Sept. 21 to celebrate the accomplishments of Team Love Track. The event featured food as well as an award ceremony.

Founded three years ago by former Niles track standout Andre Love, the program consists of athletes ranging from 5 to 18 years of age from throughout Southwest Michigan who compete in indoor and outdoor meets across the state. 

“A lot of these athletes go to the middle school and the high school have been running for me for the past four or five years,” Love said. “This was something to celebrate. This means a lot to me. It’s small but it means a lot to me.”

Love, who is also a pastor, said he created the program to prepare athletes to compete at the AAU Junior Olympic Games and is proud of his team’s efforts. Last year, 24 members of the team qualified for the Junior Olympic Games.

15 members of the Team Love Track club team qualified for the 2024 AAU Junior Olympic Games, which featured 19,000 athletes and an estimated 40,000 spectators competing in a variety of sports, including track and field, swimming, martial arts, and more.

The names of qualifiers are as follows: Aydan Mccary (Senior, 14.5 110-meter hurdles), Caleb Patterson, Carter Brann, Olen Simmons, Andrew Love, Chad Patterson, Danyel Nelson Jr., John Brickley (Seventh grade, 2:11 in 800), Addison Kessler,  Alani Scott (Seventh grade, 12.95 100-meter dash), Gianna Ball, Haylei Patterson, Loryana Harris (4-10 high jump), Madison Kessler and Trenyse Mcginnis.

 “We’ve had an amazing year,” Love said. “I thank God for the parents that trust me with their children because I coach at a level that tests them mentally, physically and spiritually. It’s been amazing.”

For more information about Team Love Track and how to get involved, contact Love at icarechhurchniles@gmail.com.