Track Sprints Towards Victory

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Selma High’s Track team has overall been successful in their performances throughout this season. Although track is mainly an individual sport, it is encouraged that the athletes do not avoid supporting and acknowledging the work of their teammates. The sport has shaped the character of the athletes in various ways, as it has contributed to their understanding of competition and how the performance of one relies on their confidence.
According to Coach Harshaw a strategy used in the building of an environment full of encouragement involves affirmations from the coaches and athletes alike.
“Track and field, for the most part, is quite welcoming and many competitors hold good sportsmanship,” said Jasmine Godinez. “This has allowed me to enjoy doing track whether I feel good about my performance or not.”
Godinez, now a senior at Selma High, began her athletic journey in elementary. Her enjoyment for running was what brought her in, and the competition that she found in the sport is what led her further in during her sophomore year.
“I like competing and working out, it has helped me to become a better version of myself,” explained Godinez.
The team’s biggest inspiration and influence stems from the coaches that lead them.
“He [coach Harshaw] has helped me fix the techniques I use when sprinting. I believe he’s been able to give me good constructive criticism that has allowed me to improve as an athlete,”states Godinez.
Godinez finds proficiency in the different variations of the 100-meter dash. She specializes in sprinting and participates in the 4×100 meter relay.
“I enjoy how quick this event is.” she said, “Although it is one of the easiest events to do, it doesn’t mean it’s the easiest to be good at.”
According to the athlete, the shortness of the 100-meter dash gives very little room for error.
“It is important that from the start there are techniques met,” Godinez stated.
Furthermore the athletes face the common challenge of focusing. Coach Harshaw emphasizes that it’s important that the athlete learns when to concentrate and to understand that they’re chasing hardship and adversity.
“If it was easy, why would we continue to do it? We want to chase adversity,” he said. “The idea is that each day, the expectation is that we’ll be better the next.”
Coach Harshaw specializes in sprinting. His motivation for coaching has been the need to see athletes achieve high goals while being disciplined and for them to understand what it takes to be a part of a team.
The team’s way of handling their disappointment or setbacks has a lot to do with acceptance and understanding. The athletes have learned from their mistakes and have made a purpose out of them.
According to Godinez her setbacks have aided in her growth.
“The injuries I’ve had during Track have allowed me to remain grateful for what I am able to do.” she added. “Sometimes we take our abilities for granted and it isn’t until we are limited by an injury that we truly see how grateful we should be.”
Track has led some athletes to acknowledgements that extend beyond the field and the sport.
“How well I perform shouldn’t be what defines me as a whole. Along with that I find it important to allow myself to focus on how I can help those around me, not just through constructive criticism but also through encouragement,” confessed Godinez.
Overall the team focuses on looking beyond the past. They rely on encouragement from one another and the efforts of all.
“Effort, discipline. That’s it. That’s all [the principals] you need. You’ll get there” Coach Harshaw concluded.