This year, Selma High’s Track and Field team is working strongly towards achieving their goals for this season.
Coach Francis, who helps with overall team conditioning and strategy, expresses that the season has been going well.
“We’ve had some strong performances early on, and the athletes are showing steady improvement,” expresses Coach Francis.
Coach Harshaw, who primarily works with sprinters, helps with relay teams making sure exchanges are smooth and strategic.
“The team is building good chemistry, and our athletes are pushing each other to get better every day,” explains Coach Harshaw “There’s always room to grow, but I’m excited about the potential we have this year.”
To help prepare athletes for the track meets, practices consist of various activities. The athletes first start with a dynamic warm-up, followed by event-specific drills, speed or endurance work, and strength training. The coaches emphasize technique, recovery, and mental preparation to athletes to provide them with well-rounded development.
Since track is an individual sport, it’s very physically and mentally demanding. To help athletes stay encouraged, the coaches provide them with positive affirmations. Both coaches remind athletes that success isn’t just about winning but also about personal growth. They make the point that effort is valued over perfection.
Senior Maiya Cooper, who has been in track for two years, participates in the shot put and Discus. Her goal for this season is to hit 24 feet in shot put and 75 feet in Discus.
“The environment in track is very positive which makes the sport 10 times better,” explains Cooper when asked her favorite thing about track.
To maintain a positive environment, Coach Francis recognizes individual and team achievements and fosters a team-first mentality where athletes support each other.
“I make sure practices are structured but also fun,” emphasizes Coach Harshaw. “We celebrate personal bests, big and small wins, and hard work.”
Junior Mia Betancourt, who has been in track since elementary school, competes in the 1600-meter race. This event consists of four laps around the track, equivalent to about a mile. Her goal for this season is to give her best effort.
“I struggled with giving it my all the past two seasons, so this year and on, I strive to make the best of it since high school track isn’t forever,” shares Betancourt.
To have a successful season, athletes are also focusing on many things to improve upon. Things Betancourt would like to improve on are her pace and stamina so that they can help shorten her race times.
Junior Jorge Gonzalez, who has also been in track since elementary school, would like to improve in every aspect of his running such as endurance, form, and kick. Gonzalez runs the 400-800 meter race and would like to run the 1600 later this season.
Apart from running fast, Track is about discipline, resilience, and learning to push past limits.
“If [athletes] can embrace hard work, trust in themselves, and stay focused, they’ll be successful in whatever they pursue,” adds Coach Harshaw.
Caption: Senior Devin Chavez and Freshmen Andreas Luna practicing for their next track meet
