With stopwatches running and spikes hitting the track, the boys track and field team kicked off their season on March 9. With practices in the different events like sprints, long distance, throws and pole vault. They practice in the weight room, gyms and mostly the outside track, beginning preparations for their upcoming meetings.
The head coach for the team is Ben Straka, biology and astronomy teacher. Straka believes being track and field coach is not only about training: it is about having a vision.
“You really have to have a vision,” Straka said. “You have to be able to get people to believe in this vision.” As the season begins, he focuses on building connections and ensuring everyone works together toward shared goals strengthening values like team athleticism.
Track and field includes a wide range of events-such as throwing, pole vault, hurtles, vertical jumps and distance- each requiring different training techniques and focus. Ryan Miller, history teacher and coach of distance events, said that during this weeks of training, he is prioritizing “relationship building”.
“I want to get a full picture of each athlete- where they are coming from, what their training looks like, how they’re sleeping and what their nutrition looks like- and offer guidance to help optimize their performance,” Miller said.
While track may seem like an individual sport, Straka emphasized that it truly “takes everybody” and that in every race, event or training athletes rely on each other effort to lift the entire team.
Team captains also play a crucial role on keeping everyone on track, providing constant support. As an example, senior Collin Johnston runs events such as the 100, 200 and 400 meters. Johnston explained that being a captain comes with a great responsibility “the team and athletes often rely on you, often for support or when having trouble,” Johnston said.
This season, the team’s goal is to stay focused on qualifying for state, just as they did last year, pushing the team and focusing on their varsity athletes. Straka explained that the team is set to be strong in both throwing and sprinting. Pointing out that senior, Tyler Curnow, a returning state champion in the throwing event, will lead the way as one of the captains. While senior, Henry Corbett, the third captain the team has will have a chance of stepping into a big opportunity to reach state as one of the top sprinters while recovering from an injury, something that is just not physical, but also a mental challenge to overcome, proving his determination and passion as an athlete.
As the season, begins coaches are also looking forward to new team members like freshman, and other newcomers on the team. This new athletes are fresh and ready to start building up a stronger team in all events. By encouraging their participation now, the coaches know these athletes will grow into the leaders of the upcoming varsity team throughout the upcoming years. Looking ahead for the rest of the season, the team will compete in a series of meets throughout the month of April and May at different schools. With their section championship on May 13 and Section 4AAA finals at May 28. With a mix of returning athletes and new talent, coaches and captains alike are optimistic and excited about the progress the team can make this season.
