Through many bounds, jumps, and sprints, the upcoming track and field season is in full swing. Although the first meet is not until March 23rd at the Ron Ives Invitational, the team is already putting in hours of practice to ensure a strong season.
There are several different options in track and field, including Sprints and Relays, Mid Distances, Long Distances, Throws, Jumps, and Hurdles. Many athletes are relatively new to the idea of track and field.
“I just started track last year. I pole vault, which was tough at first, but now I’ve become pretty good at it,” sophomore Nick Jenness said.
Other athletes have had several years of experience, which has paid off by landing some spots on the varsity track and field team.
“I have been doing track for five years now. I started my 7th grade year at South Valley and ended up really enjoying the sport” junior Nolan Denton said.
There are many aspects of track and field that the team must work on before their first meet.
“The hardest thing for the team this season, will be finding out where each person fits best. For instance, some people do better with sprints, while others do better at jumps or hurdles,” Jenness said.
Aside from getting the team prepared for the season, each member must prepare themselves for the track season ahead as well.
“The hardest thing for me is just getting myself in shape. After I do get in shape, it’s all about eating right and keeping my body healthy,” senior Anna Gomez said.
The team is expected to succeed this year as they proceed into the season with high hopes.
“I think our team this year is looking really great! We have a lot of returners from last year, which helps us to have a strong team, and also helps give the new members athletes to look up to,” Denton said.
Hopefully putting in many hours of practice, eating right, and staying focused will pay off this season for the track team. Make sure to head out to the first track event of the season on Friday, March 23 at Liberty High School.