Our History
Born to Compete
In the spring of 2012, my own children decided they wanted to try competitive running over the summer; so we began our search for local youth track clubs. To my surprise, we learned that local clubs were nonexistent and the closest clubs were quite a distance away. Not wanting to give up on my own kids and quickly realizing the needs of other children in this area, I decided to create my own team.
The Flippen Flyers track club is named in memory of Mr. Greg Flippen, the father of Coach Bostick. Greg Flippen was an outstanding and nationally ranked high school long jumper out of Riverhead, NY. He held the state record with a jump of 25’1 ¼ for 43 years.
Known to many as ‘Flip’ that high school kid who “Flys”…. Is where the name the Flippen Flyers originated. He received a full scholarship to Texas Southern and later transferred to Adelphi University.
In 1990 Greg Flippen started a youth track club called Flippen’s Flyers based out of Riverhead, New York. He coached several youth athletes into the National Junior Olympics and inspired many dreams. Greg Flippen passed away November 6, 2012.
"You got to be kidding me in this age of athletes and supplements and all that you have. To hold a record for [more than 40] years, it’s just crazy.” – Sal Loverade , Riverhead track coach
In Memory of
Greg Flippen
April 27, 1952 - November 6, 2012
"His footprints in the sand have become the imprints of the human spirit of athletic competition etched in to bedrock. His determination, dedication, perseverance and refusal to settle for anything less than his best made him a champion. His humility compassionate competitiveness and quiet confidence made him a model for our country’s youth." – Michael Strockbine , Director of Academy Speed and Training
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Four - Time New York State Long Jump Champion
• New York State Long Jump Record Holder for 43 years
• Junior National Champion and Former Record Holder
• Two-Time National Junior Olympic Finalist
• Three-Time High School All-American
• Winner of Four Consecutive New York State Long Jump Titles
• Member, Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame
• Regarded as the Greatest High School Long Jumper in New York State Public School History.
