The Rhode Island Classic seeks to provide an early season regional competition that will allow athletes the opportunity to challenge themselves in a championship environment.
All of the proceeds from the RI Classic will be used to support age group track and field in Rhode Island. Athletes qualifying for a national championship or elite regional invitational may apply for financial assistance to help cover travel expenses. The goal is to promote fitness and motivate local boys and girls from Rhode Island to strive for excellence.
The organizing committee for the RI Classic includes current and retired coaches who have long been involved with age group track and field. Kevin Jackson and Thom Spann have been co-coaches of the Providence Cobras Track Club for over 30 years. Jackson is also the head coach at Rhode Island College and a Providence city council member, while Spann is the director of the track and field program at Hope High School. Bob and Anne Rothenberg were the founders of the East Coast Invitational, a three-day age group meet they ran for 25 years in Maryland. Both coached at Brown University for 20 years before retiring. Tim Rudd, currently a Providence police officer, is the assistant coach at Rhode Island College.