On April 16, the girls varsity track and field team took first place at the Suburban East Conference Open meet. Competing against strong competition in the conference, the team showcased both its talent and depth. Taking wins in both the running and throwing categories, the victory is another step towards their goal. Their sights are shifting toward the True Team state meet on May 15 and 16. Under the direction of head coach Travis Birklid, the team is driven by returning and emerging talent. Standout athletes like senior thrower Sylvia Boyum, who is committed to Montana State University, and junior sprinter and jumper Cam Francis will play key roles as captains as the team looks to continue its success.
Throughout the season, the team stays motivated by slow progress. Success in the sport is often defined by hundredths of a second in a race, or inches in jumping or throwing. New personal records and individual achievements add up for the team’s success. The team culture is to celebrate each improvement, especially as the athletes look to peak towards the end of the season.
“I just want to see everyone stay healthy and PR, and hopefully everyone can make it as far as they can and we can get a lot of girls to state,” Boyum said.
An important job of both coaches and captains is to inspire athletes through valuable life lessons and character development. Being on a sports team is an effective way to prepare for the future. You learn resilience and the significance of showing up.
“Doing what’s right, not what’s easy. We need to see the value in putting in the tough work when things aren’t fun, and you don’t see the immediate reward,” Birklid said.
A difficult aspect of track and field is the risk of injury. A study from the National Institute of Health states that up to 65% of track and field athletes can sustain an injury at any given moment. During the season, the workouts require constant modifications in intensity and recovery periods.
Running, especially sprinting, is “a lot harder on the body than people realize,” and it is really difficult to “keep them healthy, but also give them the workouts that they need.” Birklid said.
Finally, the role of captains is crucial to a sports team’s success. They keep morale high, inspire the team and bridge the gap between upperclassmen and underclassmen. Captains lead the team by example and create stronger connections between the team members.
Junior captain Cam Francis stated that there is a visible divide between JV and Varsity. However, she and the other captains work hard to build a stronger sense of community within the team.
With their win in the conference meet, the team’s morale is running high. Putting in the hours of hard work out on the track and staying focused is important, as they crave success. Continuing to highlight teamwork, the athletes look to carry their momentum into the True Team Sections and State meets. This May, the team seeks their first True Team state title in 28 years.
