MOSES LAKE - Teaching student athletes what it means to be well rounded citizens with good sportsmanship skills. That's the objective of the Running Against the Wind (R.A.W.) SPEED track club.

"When students feel as though there is little or no hope to improve academically or physically, R.A.W. SPEED teaches them how to deal with obstacles and adversities they will face in life with confidence, drive and determination," founder and Tacoma native Eugene Ransom said. "Running Against the Wind represents those obstacles and the victory reached once they have been surpassed."

Ransom, a former sprinter at Foss High School was city champion in the 100 yard dash (10.50) as a freshman, a state semi-finalist as a sophomore, and won the state championship in the 100 meters his senior year.

After graduating, he entered the Army and continued to run, setting persona bests in the 100 meters (10.25) and 200 meters (20.40).

Ransom founded R.A.W. SPEED in 2006, after witnessing improper running techniques and coaches "failing to incorporate others."

"I got frustrated with the way the kids were being taught and the attention they were given," Ransom said. "So when my kids started to show an interest in track, I formed a specialized track club."

His coaching experience includes 38 years in amateur track and field and two years in the Tacoma School District.

"Prior to moving to Moses Lake, I was coaching student athletes at the club," Ransom said. "I was privileged to have some of those kids win state championships."

Ransom moved to town in August. He is hoping to lend his expertise to local student athletes who are interested in joining R.A.W. SPEED and honing their sprinting skills.

"I am currently looking to carry six kids," he said. "My two sons, Malcom (14) and Edward (17) are the only two local members right now."

Both run the 60 and 200 meter sprints and have been invited to participate at the Jackson Open at Boise State in Napa, Idaho Dec. 3.

"They will be the only high school athletes participating at the meet," Ransom said. "I expect both to run well. It should be pretty exciting for them to compete on such a high level."

For more information on R.A.W. SPEED, contact Eugene Ransom at 509- 361-0923.