A track team with Rockdale ties is not only sticking with their mantra of having an impact on young lives and their health, but also recently had an impact on the record books.
 Kuaniyal Chol, Ishmel Zamor, Tim Snow Jr., Raimius Foulkes and Robert Boddie Jr. of the Conyers based IMPACT Athletics set a new national record at the United States of America Track and Field Regional Championships.
 The team ran with four runners and one alternate ran a time of 7:50:87 in the 4x800 meter relay at the event held at North Carolina A&T on July 8.
 Rockdale High's Xavier Molette also had a big day at the event, finishing first with a discuss toss of 173.
 IMPACT is a team that focuses on academics, fighting childhood obesity, physical training and developing community leaders. IMPACT's program ensures each athlete understands they are students first and athletes second, as the team's GPA is between 3.0 and 3.8.
  "If there is anyone out there who feels you can not impact a child's life through positive influence, communication, discipline and love - our organization is an example that you can," IMPACT founder Lynn Hampton said.
 "With assistance from our board, the best volunteer coaching staff in Georgia, medical and counseling support, and study tutors; we instill in all of our student-athletes the importance of being students first and athletes second."
 Hampton was the recipient of the 2009 National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter, Inc. "Unsung Heroine Award" for outstanding community service and her work in the fight against childhood obesity.
 IMPACT's relay team looks to defend their national ranking in Sacramento, Cal. on Aug. 27.