Latricia Milligan was a natural born sprinter, but it wasn't always easy.

"My biggest challenge was running Varsity Track in the ninth grade at Houston's Forest Brook High School,' the former track star said. "The older girls who didn't make the varsity team always teased me about running against older, more experienced teammates. They told me I was too young to win, but I didn't let that bother me.'

By choosing to focus on running and not the taunting, Latricia was able to achieve success on the track. She won two state championships as a member of the 4×100 and 4×200 meter relay teams. Milligan's track prowess helped her earn a scholarship to Garden City Community College in Kansas and later Northwestern State University in Louisiana.

Today, Latricia shares her experiences as a young runner with her pupils through the Milligan Aires Track Team in Arlington. Created in the 2011, Milligan Aires features 17 kids, ranging in age from five to 18. Running track is a great way for kids to stay fit and learn about overcoming obstacles.

"I always tell my kids about my running career,' said the former track star. "In some cases it makes the runners work a bit harder because they stop and think, "wow if she did this, then let me try.' Sometimes it works out. If it doesn't we'll use a different approach.'

Milligan acknowledges that many of her young runners are enjoying success on the track, but she also takes pride in developing great student-athletes. "It's not all about running,' she said. "We promote teamwork, discipline and academics.'

If you are interested in signing up your child for track and field training, the Milligan Aires Track Team is looking to add 50 children for the upcoming season. Although the team is expanding, Latricia wants "each young runner to receive one-on-one training.'

She is joined on the coaching staff by her husband Hamin, a football standout at Garden City Community College and the University of Houston, and Dasha Shead, who still holds four records at Northwestern State University in the 200 meter dash, 4×100, 4×200 and 4×400 meter dash.

The fee for joining the team is $150. For more information about the Milligan Aires Track Team, please visit milliganaires.org