At Taylorsville High School in Utah, competitive track and field was once a dream beyond reach for many students. The high costs of traveling as a team to competitive meets meant that athletes full of potential too often were unable to participate in meets where they could interact with other athletes, gain experience competing on a large scale, and get inspired for their futures and their potential. With the help of a $4,000 Student Success grant from The NEA Foundation, coach Chad Farnes was able to change that reality for his track and field team, opening doors for student athletes to compete and grow.
Using the grant funds provided by the Foundation, Coach Farnes took his student athletes to the Simplot Games, one of the nation’s premier indoor track meets in Idaho.
“We were able to take one of the largest teams to Simplot, which wouldn’t have been possible without The NEA Foundation,” Farnes said after the event. “Getting to the meet would have been financially impossible for my athletes without that support.”
A student athlete runs a race at the Simplot Games
The students had the chance to compete against some of the best track athletes in the country, and they excelled. Multiple athletes placed in the top 10 in their events, proving that with the right opportunities, skill and determination can shine at the highest levels. Beyond the competition, the experience bonded the team, which stayed together at a local Airbnb, preparing healthful meals together and celebrating their achievements.
The trip to Simplot is just the beginning for Farnes. Inspired by the experience, he is now working to expand the West Side Shock Track Club to junior high and elementary schools in the area. He envisions a free running program open to any student in the Taylorsville community, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation.
“Running clubs exist throughout Utah, but they are financially unattainable for most students in our community. I want to change that,” Farnes shared.
This is exactly the kind of impact NEA Foundation grants aim for—eliminating barriers, creating opportunities, empowering students, and planting the seeds for lasting change. We are so proud to support educators like Chad Farnes, who not only coach but also champion equity in athletics and education.
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The student athletes outside the Simplot Games
