Dean Headed to AAU Junior Olympics in New Orleans

Caleb Dean of Crofton is going to take a summer trip that’s a little different from other 10-year olds in the area.

Dean is one of 27 athletes from the nearby Living Waters Track club in Odenton who qualified for the AAU Junior Olympics starting later this month in New Orleans. He’s already been ranked as one of the best runners in the United States for his age group, and this will let Dean take everything to another level.

The games are scheduled to take place from July 27-Aug. 6 in New Orleans at Tad Gormley Stadium. qualified in an event at Wise High School in Prince George’s County earlier this month. They’ve got a solid group of kids ages 7-18 who’ve been practicing three times a week throughout the summer.

Dean is one of the runners who’s stood out very quickly in the program's first year. He will be able to run in the 100-meter dash plus help out with two relay races. Dean is scheduled to run in both the 400 and 1,600 relays.

Program founder Jimmy Rollins is delighted with how successful Dean has been so far this season.

“He ran with a different club last year,” Rollins said. “He’s a hard worker, and he’s dedicated to working hard in practice.”

Rollins  said he’s been impressed by how hard Dean is willing to work. That’s a trait which every successful athlete has, and Dean’s already showing it in a good way.

“His work ethic is incredible to watch,” Rollins said. “He comes from a great family that supports him and comes to every meet.”

Dean already has been ranked nationally this summer in the 100 meters, high jump and those relays. In addition, the 400 relay team of Dean, Ashton Allen, Jay Parson and Ryan Willie’s time of 52.74 is the fastest time in the country for their age group.

Dean also won in the 100 meters as the Region championship meet in Atlanta last weekend. He also ran on the victorious 400 and 1,600 relay teams.

And now it’s on to New Orleans.

“He’s really excited,” Rollins said.