By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
For 50 years, the South Central Athletic Association Track and Field program (SCAA) has been more than a training ground for young athletes. It has shaped generations of young people through discipline, opportunity and a deep sense of family, impacting lives both on and off the field across the Pacific Northwest.
Founded in 1976, SCAA has developed athletes ages 5 to 18 into some of the region’s most accomplished competitors, producing state champions, collegiate athletes and Olympians. Yet the program’s influence extends far beyond competition, rooted in a culture that emphasizes mentorship, accountability and community.
At the center of that culture is a concept that has defined SCAA since its inception: family.
Founder Curtis Wells Sr. built the program with that principle in mind, creating an environment where young athletes were supported, challenged and expected to perform at a high level.
“It was like family, and we tried to keep it fun, but they worked hard. When that whistle blew, it was work time,” said Wells. “We had dedicated coaches, everything was organized, and the kids knew we cared. Their success motivated them to keep pushing.”
That balance between structure and support became the foundation of the program’s longevity, reinforced not only by coaches, but by parents and the broader community who helped create an environment where young athletes could thrive.
Former athlete and coach Shirley Walker Wroten said that sense of care and responsibility defined the experience.
“We were a family. We took care of each other,” said Wroten. “The coaches and parents made sure we had what we needed. At meets that lasted all day, nobody went without food or support.”
Over time, SCAA’s influence expanded, evolving into a program recognized not only for its culture, but for its sustained success on the track. Its history can be understood in distinct phases of growth, from its early years to its rise as a competitive force and into its present-day impact. Each era has contributed to building a program that has consistently produced high-level talent and opportunity.
Across those decades, SCAA athletes have earned national junior championships, set state high school records and secured collegiate scholarships, with some advancing to professional and Olympic success. Athletes such as Tara Davis and Ginnie Powell stand among those whose careers reflect the program’s long-standing commitment to excellence.
Still, even as SCAA gained national recognition, its identity remained grounded in relationships built over time.
Asha Dean, who grew up in the program as the daughter of longtime coach Fred Dean, said those relationships continue to shape life today.
“Some of my earliest memories are being at the track,” said Dean. “People I ran with as a kid are still close friends, and now our kids are growing up together because of SCAA.”
Dean’s connection to the program extended beyond participation. Following the death of Fred Dean, Dean stepped in to help maintain continuity during a period of transition.
“I ran from 1985 till 1988, and my two older cousins and my aunt helped coach too. I helped out when I was in college with my dad,” said Dean. “After he passed, I came home and made sure we still had a program that summer and held things together until others were ready to take on those roles. Since then, my two kids have run for SCAA.”
As leadership evolved, the program’s mission remained consistent.
Current head coach Loyal Allen, who was a member of the team in the 1990s, said SCAA continues to focus on developing athletes both on and off the track.
“On a foundational level SCAA’s goals are to develop individual athletic performances, provide athletes with national exposure, establish a training regimen to prepare athletes for college, provide access to academic tutoring in mathematics, science, language arts and the SAT exam, and build a strong scholastic foundation for success in college,” said Allen.
That mission reflects a broader purpose: preparing young athletes not only for competition, but for life.
SCAA trains athletes across all track and field events and distances, as well as cross country, while emphasizing technical development, discipline and competitiveness. At the same time, the program prioritizes creating a well-rounded experience that is both educational and engaging for participants.
Exposure to competition beyond the local level has also played a critical role in shaping athletes’ experiences.
Kim Phillips, a Garfield High School graduate and former state record holder in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash, said SCAA provided opportunities that expanded perspective.
“We were always one of the top teams in the country,” said Phillips. “We traveled and competed against athletes I never imagined I’d get the chance to run against.”
For many athletes, those experiences revealed possibilities beyond their immediate surroundings.
Former athlete Chelsea Riddick-Most said that exposure was transformative.
“The best thing you can do for kids is expose them to new experiences,” said Riddick-Most. “We traveled across the Pacific Northwest, to California and even Canada. You realize there’s a world much bigger than your neighborhood, and that changes how you see things.”
That combination of competition, mentorship and exposure has defined SCAA’s impact over the last five decades, helping shape not only athletes, but confident and capable individuals prepared for life beyond sports.
Curtis Wells Jr., who competed for SCAA and later became one of the state’s top 800-meter runners, said the program’s legacy is unmatched.
“It’s the best track and field program in the state of Washington, and one of the best in the nation,” said Wells Jr.
“I would say SCAA will stand another 50 years,” said Allen.
