Boston Lions Track Club has two All-Americans

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The names of 7-year-old Legacy Lewis and 10-year-old Trinity Franklin are among the prestigious All-American track and field listings following their recent strong showings at this year’s United States of America Track and Field (USATF) Junior National Olympic Games in Savannah, Georgia, July 21 to July 27, and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic  Games in Houston, Texas, July 28 to August 2.

Both youth runners are members of the Boston Lions Track and Field Club, coached by Tomorrow Peoples for the last seven years, following in the footsteps of her father Edward Lee Hudson and mother Catherine Peoples, who started the program back in the early 1980s.

Trinity Franklin stands atop the winners podium. PHOTO: TOMORROW PEOPLES

“From a child that was told that I may never walk, to running in national competitions, to operating a nationally recognized, year-around track and field program, has been an adventure, said Peoples. “I come from a family of 26 siblings —20 being runners. Thanks to the love of my parents and family I have been able to climb large mountains. I am a lion for real. My students know that I love and demand the best from them, on and off the track. We are respected everywhere we go because of the discipline with which we carry ourselves.”

There are complaints from members of the community that the Lions don’t receive enough publicity and financial support from the city of Boston for the honor that their accomplishments deserve. “We are a year-around program that needs year-around funding. I learned so much from my former coach Sherman Hart, currently the head coach of the Boston International Track Club, as to how much of a struggle it is to build and sustain a successful track and field program.”

And while the struggle to survive rages on, Peoples credits families of the community and benefactors like the Boston Youth Development Fund and Boston After School and Beyond, along with support from people like Lisa Searcy, a major fundraiser, and Michael Turner, who provided major support for the Lions program before leaving the Reggie Lewis Track and Field Facility.

“His contributions of time and space at the Reggie were immeasurable,” said Peoples. As were those of City Councilor Liz Miranda, who helped raise money to keep the program running through this upcoming fall season. :But even with such help, much more is needed to ensure the continued success of the Lions Track and Field Club.

Coach Tomorrow Peoples with her award-winning track team. PHOTO: Tomorrow Peoples

“Our history is that of sending hundreds of young people to college and higher levels of track and field. Legacy Lewis, a 7-year-old, two-time All-American, finished fifth in the 800-meter run and seventh in the 400-meter run in the 8-year-old and under competition, while 10- year-old Trinity Franklin finished 6th in the 800meter run in the 11-to-12 age group in the USATF event and second in the Junior Olympic event. Note that Franklin’s second place finish was more impressive as she and her team flew directly to Texas just hours after finishing competition in Georgia. Former U.S. Olypian Bernard Williams called it “a remarkable achievement.” The first eight finishers are named to the All-American Team. And while the success on the national level continues to grow, Tomorrow Peoples still funds much of the team’s major expenses out of her own pocket.

“I am not complaining, but it would sure help if the City of Boston took time to honor our track team individually for what we have achieved over the recent years.

She added, “When Solo Lewis, the older sister of Legacy, won the Mayor’s Cup Race, there was certainly not enough attention brought to her and our program. We have even shown up at city events in our tracksuits and medals in an attempt to raise awareness for what we have done. Yet we (the parents and supporters of the program) feel that Mayor Wu has failed to recognize us.”

Boston mayor spokesman Tyrik Wilson disputes this claim.

“Mayor Wu has and will continue to support the Boston Lions Track Club. This administration has had documented meetings with the Boston Lions in an attempt to meet their needs and will continue to do so,” he said.

“I have never had a face-to-face meeting with Mayor Wu. I have had only one meeting with her constituents, November 8, 2024, but never face-to-face with her. That is my desire,” said Peoples. And while doing so, the Boston Lions team looks forward to its next national competition, the first major indoor track and field meet in New York in December. All interested parties willing to make contributions for that trip and other expenses should contact coach Peoples at: BostonLionsTrackClub@gmail.com.