Track & Field - Middle School
Middle School Coach: Aslyn Van Cleave

Overview
Track & Field Program Overview
The Track and Field season runs throughout the spring, concluding with The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) state championship meet in early May. The team consists of student athletes who compete in over a dozen different individual events and various relays. The team competes in invitational and open meets that are either hosted by private and public school programs through the state of Texas in order to prepare of the TAPPS State Championship meet. The overall goal for each meet is to improve every individual athlete in their respective events, using the experience of competition to refine their technique and overall abilities. Our staff includes individuals with many years of experience in their respective events and specialties. Led by Dave Thurchak who comes to the program with over two decades of Head Coaching experience at the high school and college level, he has a history of moving athletes on to the next level of competition. The foundation of this program is the "The Stopwatch and the Measuring Tape doesn't Lie" meaning the athlete's performance always speaks for itself and stands alone as the mark of an individual's success. Personal records showing improvement are always regarded just as important as any other record. Members of the team are rewarded for their hard work and dedication in meets with medals and ribbons to those who place in top six in their events and relays scoring points for the team. Team awards are given to those teams who score the most collectively in their category of competition. We are now proud to proclaim our success as a team recognized frequently across the state with invitations to many different venues as well as our ablity to produce several individual state champions, post-season elite level meet qualifiers, and athletes moving on to collegiate competition. We continue to be excited about the future! Go Barons!
For more information contact:
David Thurchak
210-445-2622
dthurchak@smhall.org
![]() Head Coach Aslyn Van Cleave Sanchez |
Coach Sanchez received her training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She also has a Level 1 Crossfit Certification and Level 1 Functional Movement Systems (FMS) certification. As a lifelong athlete, she has competed in a wide array of team sports and currently plays with the travel team of San Antonio's only Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) ranked Roller Derby team. |
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Jonathan Garcia enters his fourth year as an SMH track and field coach. He will serve as the Middle School Head and assist with the Varsity program. He is originally from Houston, Texas and a graduate of Cypress Ridge High School, where he lettered in track & field and basketball. He was the district high jump champion his senior year and received multiple awards in track & field. He attended the University of Texas at Tyler and later enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for four years as a Senior Airman. He currently resides in San Antonio with his wife, Anna and their daughter. |