Track and Field

NOVAS TRACK & FIELD

Register for 2026 Novas Track & Field

Who, when, where and why?

Helena Novas, a USATF member club, offers its youth outdoor track and field program to Helena-area residents between the ages of 7 and 18. Our mission is to develop individual athletic skills, foster personal growth, improve health and wellness, and pursue competitive track and field in an optimal training environment. All experience and ability levels are welcome. Our older athletes often serve as mentors for younger participants. To ensure the club is accessible to as many children as possible, we go above and beyond to keep registration costs low. 

Our practice sessions are primarily geared to support elementary age athletes and middle school age athletes. We do support high school age athletes – often in a hybrid model in an effort to accommodate their unique needs related to the training they are accustomed to and as a result of their more advanced experience in the sport. Out of respect for middle school and high school coaches and athletes, we limit our practices to those who have already completed their scholastic seasons. Please respect the practice schedule posted on this page.

Please view the practice schedule in the right column.

We do not require attendance at every practice, but strongly encourage participants to attend AT LEAST two training sessions per week, which allows us to encourage and monitor development and strengthen relationships with participants.

NEW: Competitive commitment

Beginning in 2026, anyone signing up for Novas Track and Field is committing to participating in the 2026 USATF Montana Junior Olympic Championships on June 19-20 in Butte. Most athletes will only compete on June 20. Participation in all other meets is encouraged, but not a requirement for registration.

How much does it cost?

Our $100 registration fee includes:

  • Coaching at 2-3 practice sessions per week (through June 18), depending on age (We recommend attending at least two practice sessions per week)
    NOTE: For athletes intending to compete beyond the USATF Montana Junior Olympic Meet (after June 21 and later), we will develop a practice schedule based on need and coach availability
  • State Junior Olympic Championship Meet Registration (By joining Novas, athletes are committing to participation in this meet)
  • Regional Junior Olympic Championship Meet Registration (Optional)
  • National Junior Olympic Championship Meet Registration (Optional)
  • Big Sky State Games Meet Registration (Optional)
  • Bozeman TC Spring Classic Meet Registration (Optional, meet tentative)
  • Facility and equipment use during designated practice times
  • Team T-shirt

Competition Uniform

First time participants will be provided a competition singlet to keep, thanks to a sponsorship donation from Jim and Suzi Stanger. Returning participants can exchange their singlet from a prior season for a new size, if needed. If a singlet is lost, a replacement will cost $50.

USATF Membership

All participants must sign up for a USATF membership, which is available here and costs approximately $35 per year. Be sure to affiliate yourself with the Helena Novas and upload date of birth verification when signing up for that membership.

More information?

novasxctf@gmail.com

HELPFUL INFO

Official Practice

  • Elementary Ages Only: April 27-May 22, Mondays and Thursdays, 6-7:15 p.m.
  • All Ages (7-18): May 26-June 18, Mondays and Thursdays, 5:15-6:45 p.m.
  • Ages 11 and Older ONLY: May 26-June 18, Tuesdays, 5:15-6:45 p.m.
  • Where: Vigilante Stadium (Helena Middle School)

NOTE: All practices after the state meet are intended only for participants who choose to compete at the Regional JO meet July 9-11, Big Sky State Games July 18-19 or those who qualify for and intend to compete at the National JO meet July 27-Aug. 2. Based on participation levels, we will update the schedule to meet the needs of athletes and the availability of volunteer coaches.

  • Sprints (100, 200, 400)
  • Distance (800, 1500, 3000, steeplechase)
  • Hurdles (80, 100/110, 200, 400) 
  • Jumps (long, triple, high)
  • Throws (shot put, discus, javelin) 

Younger age groups do not participate in some events, as they work their way through the developmental stages of track and field. 

Pole vault instruction is not offered at scheduled Novas practices because of facility requirements and coaching, but athletes interested in that event can contact novasxctf@gmail.com for information about independent coaching.

  • May 28, HEAT Meet (free)
    Helena, ages 9-11
    Athletes/parents are responsible for registration.
  • June 19-20, USATF Montana Junior Olympic Championships (SEE COMPETITIVE COMMITMENT PRIOR TO REGISTERING FOR NOVAS)
    Butte, Memorial Stadium, ages 7-18
    We will register athletes as part of club membership.
  • July 9-11, USATF Region 11 Youth Championships
    Idaho State University, Pocatello, ages 7-18
    We will register athletes as part of club membership.
  • July 18-19, Big Sky State Games
    Lockwood School, Billings, ages 8-18
    We will register athletes as part of club membership.
  • July 27-August 2, USATF National Junior Olympic Championships
    Norwalk, CA, ages 7-18
    We will register athletes as part of club membership
2026
  • USATF National Junior Olympics
  • Big Sky State Games
  • USATF Region 11 Youth Champ
  • USATF Montana Junior Olympic Champ
  • HEAT Meet
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JIM AND SUZI STANGER

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