The first event marking the beginning of the track season took place on February 24 in Fowler. The Fowler Throws focused on shot put and discus. Each athlete is ranked based on their wins at each of their events, but it also influences the rank of the school as a whole based on the points accumulated at each meet. In order to be prepared for this event, athletes and coaches began practice at the end of January.
Track is composed of various events, some of which include: discus, shot put, hurdles, one-mile run, along with others.There are different coaches for these events. However, as Coach Harshaw suggested, if someone is unsure about something, coaches are sure to lend a hand in support.
“It is a team thing,” Coach Harshaw stated.
Each athlete is free to choose which, and how many events they would like to take a part of. This is something that Coach Harshaw deems of importance as he strives to make it an enjoyable experience for the athlete by encouraging them to do something they exceed in, but also for them to do something they like.To limit an athlete of their full potential is something that goes against Coach Harshaw’s goal for his athletes.
Junior Maiya Cooper forms a part of the track team this year. She had previously been a part of her elementary school’s track team, but with the encouragement of friends, she decided to join the high school team.
“I do shot put and discus. In shot put you basically have an eight-pound ball and you throw it across the field, and discuss is almost the same thing for discus but [in this case] you are holding a disc,” Cooper said.
To do shot put and discus, at practice the athletes first warm up their wrists and hands to proceed to perfect their form and throw. At the Fowler Throws, Maiya Cooper set her shot put PR at 19-11.00 and her discus PR at 45-03.5.
Sophomore Zachary Viera has been a part of the SHS’s track team for a year. This year he is participating in the mile and 800 meter run.
“Trying to stay in shape for basketball [got me into track],” commented Viera.
The season is barely beginning, new and returning members have come together to improve as athletes and students. Whatever the reason might be for them to join the team, the outcome is positive. As Coach Harshaw recounted, what got him into coaching track was this very idea. He wanted to help student-athletes improve in all aspects of their school life.
“I really enjoy bettering our young youth. Go Bears, per usual, but when it comes to student-athletes it is all about teaching them to be a better man or woman each and everyday, as well as giving them the discipline and success so they can be the best,” expressed Coach Harshaw.
A time of personal growth and improvement lies before the athletes as the track season just took off.
