Westlake Track Club seeks top local talent

Former Italian National track and field champion Antonio Colella, a Thousand Oaks resident, has announced the opening of the Westlake Track Club.

Colella reached heights of 18 feet in the pole vault and performed at three Olympic trials and two world championships during his 18-year professional career.

"The name of the club is dedicated to the town whose hills and valleys remind me of my native town in Italy," Colella said.

"The weather conditions here are ideal for year-round training, and I see athletes with true talent in the elementary, high school and even master levels."

Since 1980, Colella has coached and competed on a professional level of track and field.

"My decision to start Westlake Track Club began when my son, Gino, began honing his skills in the pole vault," he said.

"Track and field is the basis of every sport. Football, baseball, soccer and tennis athletes benefit from training."

Westlake Track Club is a private organization open to boys and girls age 6 and up.

The youth program will start in the spring, and practice will be held at Westlake High. The club supports sport booster clubs and Misericordia Home.

Colella graduated magna cum laude in 1988 with a degree in exercise science sport medicine and has formal education in track and field coaching theory.

Colella trained local athlete Sasha Blanchard, who recently accepted a full athletic scholarship to attend Notre Dame.

For more information, call Colella at (805) 3007648 or email WSLTrackclub@aol.com.