About

Panthers Elite Track Club, based in High Point, North Carolina, provides guidance and training for student-athletes ages 6–18. The organization was founded in 1996 by Ken and Diane Roberts along with a small group of parents, volunteers, and coaches who recognized that the City of High Point had an abundance of talented young athletes who deserved encouragement, attention, and support for their commitment to positive development.

Beginning with only four adults and eleven athletes, the Panthers were established with a vision of building something meaningful for young people in the community. Today, the program supports approximately 80–100 athletes each summer and is supported by a volunteer group of roughly 20 dedicated adults.

Each year, student-athletes from High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Thomasville, Lexington, Hickory, and surrounding communities take part in the program. Through competition and structured training, athletes learn the self-discipline required to develop both their physical and mental abilities while participating in an anti-violence, drug-free environment.

The Panthers organization proudly promotes the idea that we replace drugs, alcohol, and weapons with hard work, Gatorade, and relay batons. Over the years, the program has been recognized as one of the Triad’s leading youth organizations, known for promoting character, citizenship, and a positive, winning environment for student-athletes of all ages.

These principles guide everything we do as we work to develop champions both on and off the track.

Panthers student-athletes are challenged both physically and academically and are encouraged to always strive for their personal best. All athletes are required to maintain a C average or better in order to participate in the program.

We recognize that not every athlete will pursue collegiate athletics or earn an athletic scholarship. For that reason, the Panthers place strong emphasis on academic preparation and personal responsibility, helping our athletes build the habits and discipline needed to succeed in school and beyond.

The Panthers program is designed to help young student-athletes develop both their athletic and academic potential. Through training and competition, athletes learn responsibility, discipline, sportsmanship, and character while strengthening the leadership skills needed to become responsible and productive members of society.

By combining academic expectations with athletic development, the Panthers program supports young people during important stages of their growth. Our organization values strong role models and shows pride in every athlete through year-round support, involvement, counseling, and guidance from our coaches, parents, and volunteers. The Panthers are proud to develop not only some of the area’s top athletes, but also some of its top students.