USATF Foundation Awards Elite Athlete Development Grants to 51 Track & Field Athletes

USATF Foundation Awards Elite Athlete Development Grants to 51 Track & Field Athletes

PITTSBURGH – The USA Track & Field Foundation Board of Directors and donors were pleased to witness the four intense days of competition in Des Moines, Iowa at the USATF Outdoor Championships as the best in track & field fought for a coveted national title.  Continuing its support and appreciation for the talent and dedication it takes to become one of the best in the sport, the Foundation proudly announces Elite Athlete Development grants for 2019 to 51 athletes.

With the Stephen A. Schwarzman grants awarded earlier today the total in giving for 2019 to deserving track & field athletes is $829,000.  This program has exponentially grown each year thanks to the generous donations from the Board of Directors and many other passionate fans of the sport.  The Foundation community sees the importance of supporting these athletes so they can focus on their craft and develop a lasting and successful career in the sport.

“The USATF Foundation Board and its donors take great pride in helping these athletes achieve their dreams.  We wish them all luck as they represent Team USA in Doha and Tokyo,” stated Foundation Director, Paul McGowan.

Each athlete will receive a grant in the amount of $4,000 to help relieve the financial stress and expenses that come with competing internationally such as proper coaching, training, medical care, recovery and travel.

The 51 talented athletes to receive funding in the amount of $4,000 are:

Alex Young – Hammer

Aliphine Tuliamuk – Marathon

Amere Lattin – 400m Hurdles

Ashtin Zamzow – Heptathlon

Ben Blankenship – 1500m

Brian Williams – Discus

Brittany Brown – 200m

Ce’Aira Brown – 800m

Christina Clemons – 100m Hurdles

Conor McCullough – Hammer

Daniel Haugh – Hammer

David Kendziera – 400m Hurdles

Devon Williams – Decathlon

Emily Grove – Pole Vault

Freddie Crittenden – 110m Hurdles

Gwen Berry – Hammer

Harrison Williams – Decathlon

Jasmin Todd – Long Jump

Jeff Henderson – Long Jump

Johnny Gregorek – 1500m

Jonathan Jones – Shot Put

Kahmari Montgomery – 400m

Kate Hall – Long Jump

Kayla White – 100m

Kelsey Card – Discus

Kendal Williams – 100m

Kirubel Erassa – 10000m

Lexi Jacobus – Pole Vault

Maggie Ewen – Shot Put, Hammer

Mason Finley – Discus

Morolake Akinosun – 100m

Olivia Baker – 800m

Payton Otterdahl – Shot Put

Rachel Schneider – 5000m

Reggie Jagers – Discus

Rudy Winkler – Hammer

Sam Mattis – Discus

Sam Prakel – 1500m

Sean Donnelly – Hammer

Shadrack Kipchirchir – 10000m

Shakeela Saunders – Long Jump

Shannon Osika – 1500m

Sharika Nelvis – 100m Hurdles

Solomon Simmons – Decathlon

Stanley Kebenei – Steeplechase

T.J. Holmes – 400m Hurdles

Tori Franklin – Triple Jump

Tori Hoggard – Pole Vault

Trumaine Jefferson – Long Jump

Vernon Norwood – 400m

Zach Ziemak – Decathlon



The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging and experienced elite athletes, along with guidance on future career paths. The Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors, major gifts, and from generous fans of track & field.

Elite athletes are supported by the Foundation via monetary grants, career counseling (mentoring and jobs) and participation in Run With US!. Youth athletes are supported via monetary grants to youth clubs.

For more information, or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, Click Here or contact Tom Jackovic at (412) 398-2484 or tjackovic@usatffoundation.org.