The team consisted of inexperienced children that liked to run. The group meshed well and friendships quickly grew. But, we were a team without a mascot or team colors. The team members were asked to come up with these items for our team uniform. It was only asked that they choose a mascot that was unique to our area. Several mascots were presented from the team. They included a bear, mountain lion, fox, kangaroo rat and even the Banded Snail; all endangered species from our area. The Kangaroo Rat won out as our mascot and team colors were royal blue top and black shorts. It was my friend and assistant coach, Mike Lansdon that shortened the team name to 'Roo Rats. In 1999, we asked Jimmie Laurie, a friend of my son, to draw a running Kangaroo Rat with attitude. After a couple touch-ups, our current 'Roo Rat logo was born. This logo now occupies our Track & Field and Cross Country Pins and can be seen on the singlets of our younger team members.

The Program was first associated with the Youth Activities Program (YAP) of Los Osos as Community sponsored. When YAP lost its funding, we were without a home. As a member of the local San Luis Obispo adult running club, a plea was made to adopt the Youth Program. The San Luis Distance Club that was established in 1974 by Brian Waterbury and Stan Rosenfeld took us under their wing in 2000. The Club is part of the USATF Pacific Association and has opened up a new avenue of competition to our growing team.

Past team members have gone on to compete in High School, Collegiate, National, and World teams. The team has help produced age group All-Americans, National Jr Olympic Champions and High School State Champions. The team trains nearly year round. Training consists of learning proper warm-up; strengthening and agility exercises, drills, individualized workouts, cool-down and stretching routine. The team meets twice a week and workouts are assigned on other days according to the child's fitness level. The team now consists of children age 8 -18 and includes some High School athletes wishing to extend their season.

A Team Recognition celebration is provided at the end of each season. Here the children are recognized for their achievements and awarded Certificates, trophies, Team pins, Team patches, and Team hats. First season team members also receive a stuffed toy animal 'Roo Rat.

Enjoy our Web site,

Jim Barodte, Youth Coach
San Luis Distance Club