BNSF News

Staying “On Track” Has Special Meaning for these Kids

2007-12-27

It’s only December, but BNSF locomotive engineers Brian Newsome and Willie Hodge are already mentally warming up to coach the West Texas Wind Track Club, a summertime youth program in Amarillo, Texas. The club’s mission is to help students develop physically, mentally, socially and spiritually through hard work and competition. Terry Loyd, a railroader with the former Santa Fe, founded the club some eight years ago before turning the reigns over to Newsome and Hodge a few years back.

"We teach the kids that through hard work and dedication you can achieve your goals," Newsome says. "That’s something they can take with them for the rest of their lives." In fact, as a result of being involved with the team, eight children have received college scholarships during the past five years.

"I ran track when I was a kid and through high school and college, and I had a lot of people help me along the way," explains Newsome. "Now Willie and I are returning the favor."

An average of 50-60 children participate in the club each summer. Hodge and his wife have two children who are members. Newsome and his wife, Dana, who is the president of the club, have four children who are members. Even though it can sometimes be financially difficult, each year the Newsomes also sponsor five-to-six children who can’t afford the cost to join the team, including providing for their uniforms and travel expenses. They have never refused a child who wanted to join.

"It’s a great way to keep kids out of trouble through the summer months and give them hope for the future," explains Hodge.

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