Success in the track and field season is expected this year. “We always have a few athletic qualifiers for counties, but this year I see a lot of potential for district qualifiers,” said Michael Twigg, coach of the Cross Country and Track team.

Some members of the team have been doing at-home training to prepare for the Track season.

Twigg stated, “Many of our throwers are on the powerlifting team which is good, others are doing other weight training activities. Anyone who is running or jumping should be doing some running and strength conditioning to prepare for the season.”

Pre-season training for track is starting next week on January 11, and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During these workouts Twigg said, “I would like to do some strength training along with running and as we get closer to the season begin doing light workouts”.

Although the pre-season workouts are not required it is definitely recommended. And many athletes are taking advantage of this to grow as athletes after a year off due to a cancelled season last year.

Success in the Track and Field season seems to be expected from the team.

Junior Ava Strickland said, “Since we did not have Track season last year, I feel everyone will be extremely motivated to want to ‘make up’ for last season. Therefore, I believe we will do amazing.”

Twigg is also hopeful for the season saying, “I do expect our distance squad will be good because of the success we had in the Cross Country season.”

In the fall Cross Country season, the boys went to states as a team, four girls went to districts; and, in any normal season two of the cross country girls would have gone to states.

Charlotte Crowl, Claire Doesey, Angelina Hammond, and Ava Strictland earned the right to run at districts. Sadly, because of the coronavirus less people made it to states this year. Usually the top 20 in districts went to states. This year, however, only the top six make it.

The cross country team was more successful this year so the hope is that it will carry on through the track season.

Although Twigg expects success, he is being sure not to get too comfortable. He still expects all meets to be a challenge because the boys only won once last season.

There is a hope for change in dynamic. Twigg said, “While in the past it has been more about individual success there is hope for more team success moving forward.”

Everyone is working hard for a successful track and field season. Although it may be hard with COVID-19 precautions, the team will continue training and improving.