XLR8 SD AAU/USATF Track and Field Program
We are excited to announce the XLR8 SD AAU/USATF Track Program. Our track program services are tailored to each athlete’s individual goals to extend their track season and compete at a Regional & National level. We work with individuals of all skill levels from age 6-18 to help them reach their full potential.
Nutritional Advice
Our team comprises Certified Trainers and experienced Coaches dedicated to enhancing your game.
Weekly Training Plan
We conduct thorough mobility assessments to identify specific needs.
Strength Training
Based on your assessment results, we design personalized training routines to address your unique needs.
Event Technique
Build a strong foundation by enhancing and perfecting the technique of running. Develop your skill level in your specific event.
Track Meet Schedule
- New Balance High School Nationals: Philadelphia, PA Jun 13-16, 2024
- USATF National Youth Outdoor Championships: New York, NY June 26-29, 2024
- AAU Regional 14 Meet: Minneapolis, MN June 27-30, 2024
- AAU National Championships: Jacksonville, FL July 9-13, 2024
- (Other meets will be scheduled)
Meet Our Coaches
Scott Benson
Scott Benson has been inducted into the Rapid City Sports Hall of Fame as a Track and Field Athlete 2008 and a Track and Field Coach 2022.
As an athlete Benson holds one of the oldest SD State Records in the Boys high jump at 7’2” set in 1988. Benson was the first 7’0” jumper in state history and jumped 7’ feet or higher 8 times in high school;
As a college athlete at Iowa State University, Benson was a multi time Big 8 Conference Champion and NCAA Finalist. Benson is ranked #4 All Time at ISU. Benson was the 1992 Drake Relays and Florida Relays Champion.
As the head coach of STM Track and Field from 2012 to 2019 Benson’s teams won 17 State Titles. 6 Girls Titles, 4 Boys Titles and 7 Combined Titles in a row. Benson won multiple Coach of the Year awards from SDHSAA and USTFCCA.
Jacob Hyde
Jacob Hyde has a career marked by achievements both on the Track and in academics. Jacob recently finished a successful career at the University of Nebraska where he earned accolades such as Big 10 Champion and Big 10 All Academic.
Jacob went to high School at St. Thomas More and was one of the best sprinters in state history. Jacob still has one of the fastest FAT 200 meter times in South Dakota state history. Jacob was a 9 time State Champion during his high school career.
Tessa Walter
Tessa Walter was born and raised in Rapid City, SD where she competed in volleyball and track at Central High School. In her track career, she was a 2x State Champion in the 100 meter hurdles and a 2x State Champion in the 4x100m relay. She still holds the 2nd fastest time in state history in the 100mH at 14.02. After high school, she competed at the collegiate level at Chadron State College where she became an NCAA All American in the 60mH. After college, she started her coaching career and has been coaching volleyball and track since 2017. She loves coaching and helping young athletes become the best that they can be!
Royce Weurtzer
Royce Weurtzer is the Head of Sports Performance Lab with over 30 years of coaching experience. He holds a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of South Dakota and has minors in Kinesiology, Physiology, and Coaching. As a former Cross Country/Track athlete for the University of South Dakota, Royce has coached numerous champions, including 7 Individual Cross Country Champions, 57 Individual Track Champions, and 35 Relay Track Champions. He has led teams to victory in 15 State Championship titles in Cross Country and Track & Field.
XLR8 SD Memberships
XLR8 SD will offer several different options to participate in the summer track season. You can join the XLR8 SD team as a Full Member (Multiple event training sessions per week, complete training programs, strength training and ancillary work) or just join the team using your own training program.
All travel costs for meets will be the responsibility of the athlete.
Camp dates will run from Monday, Wednesday and Friday. AM and PM sessions will be offered, athletes can should only attend one camp session per day. Strength training will take place on Monday and Friday after the training sessions.
Located at Benson Sports Training: 4020 Jackson Blvd. Rapid City, SD 57702
Session Dates: June 3rd – July 13th, 2024
Hours AM Session: 7AM – 9AM
Hours PM Session: 6PM – 8PM
Weather & Cancellation Policy
If there is inclement weather practice will be cancelled 50 minutes in advance. There will be NO makeup sessions in the case that a practice is cancelled. If practice in the AM session is cancelled in the morning on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday; practice will be offered in the afternoon if the weather holds up.
In order to make last minute announcements easier and more efficient we utilize “Remind” app as a way to reach you. It is available on both Android and IOS systems. This is especially useful in the event of inclement weather. With the “Remind” app we will be able to make announcements in real time and you will get a text message notification. You may also reply back and only the coaches will get the reply. Not a group.
You need to get the app by going on https://www.remind.com/ or you can search on your phone’s app store for the “Remind” app.
After you get it and put your information the code to “JOIN a CLASS” is: