Article and photos submitted by Jenice Smith • Celebration is on November 16 from 1PM - 3PM

Ritch Braun is retiring after a long career as Track and Field Coach spanning 48 years, 42 of which were dedicated to the Crowsnest Pass Track & Field Club, Passtrak. This marks the end of an era for Passtrak.

Braun’s coaching profile is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. His expertise extends to being a certified Sport Coach and Performance Coach in various track and field events. His coaching career has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Government of Canada “Celebration 88 Olympic Medal” for his contribution to amateur sport and the Canadian Developmental Coach of the year award in 2001, chosen from all sports.

Braun has served as a coach for various teams at national and international events. He was the Head Coach for Team Alberta at the Midget and Youth National Championships in 1989, and the Sprints and Relays Coach for the Canadian Senior National Team at the World Francophone Games in Paris in 1994. In 2005, Ritch Braun received the Order of Crowsnest Pass for his volunteer contribution to our community.

Under Braun’s leadership, Passtrak has had an exceptional run for the past 42 years. The club has served hundreds of athletes, produced countless Provincial Champions, set Provincial records, and even placed several athletes on the Canadian National Team. Passtrak also has the distinction of having a Canadian female track & field athlete to win a medal at the World Championships.

Craig Hay, the track club president, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for Braun’s contributions. He highlighted Braun’s ability to encourage and build up the kids, regardless of skill level, and push them to limits they had never achieved before. Braun’s genuine excitement when announcing a personal best was a motivating factor for the kids. He ensured that the kids knew they were valued and respected in the sport, whether they were finishing last place every event or if they were winning nationals — he treated them all the same.

As we bid farewell to Coach Braun and Passtrak, we celebrate his remarkable career and thank him for his invaluable contribution to our community and the sport of track and field. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and coaches. We wish him all the best in his retirement.

Join Passtrak in celebrating Coach Braun at our upcoming Retirement Celebration on Saturday, November 16th from 1-3 pm at the Crowsnest Consolidated Highschool. Light food and drinks will be served. RSVP via the Facebook Event: Coach Braun’s Retirement Celebration. All are welcome as we honour and celebrate Coach Braun.

Photos:

Braun Photo 1: Coach Braun and Jade Legroulx at Calgary Track and Field Event. Photo Credit: Ted Smith

Braun Photo 2: Coach Braun and Norah Smith discussing technique and strategies. Photo Credit: Ted Smith

Braun Photo 3: Coach Braun. Photo Credit: Tathlina Lovlin

Braun Photo 4: Coach Braun encouraging Cammie Hay at the Edmonton Track and Field Event. Photo Credit: Craig Hay

Braun Photo 5: Coach Braun and athletes at a Track and Field Event. Photo Credit: Craig Hay