On May 9th 2025, Selma High’s track team competed in what would be their final meet. This meet had determined which athletes and their events would qualify for the CIF championships later in the season. Understanding this, track runners have been working extensively to solidify their spot in said championship.
Senior Daviana Chavez, a sprinter for the track team participating in the 100 and 200 meter races, described her regimen to prepare for their meet.
“[Physically], I stay hydrated and stretch a lot. I think stretching is a really big tool,” Chavez shared. “But, I honestly just run. The day before the meet is like your ‘trial run,’ but however I run that day just carries on for the next day.”
As for 800 meter and 4×4 relay participant junior Zach Vieria, his preparation remains the same.
“Even though it’s championships, I see it as any other meet,” Vieria stated. “Mentally, I just go in [to the meet] and whatever happens, happens.”
Vieria also shared one of his more memorable achievements during his season.
“I was able to PR in the 800 after not having a sophomore year to run,” Vieria continued. “I’ve also been really proud of my pacing. My time splits are starting to become even faster and the faster runs are getting easier.”
As for Daviana, she shared something she wished she’d done differently.
“Honestly, I think just listening to Coach Harshaw more. Last year I was just kind of like ‘oh whatever, I’m just gonna run.’ But I feel like using his techniques that he gives us at practice has helped me become a lot faster,” Chavez stated.
Both athletes conveyed their choices to continue sports in college, with Chavez sharing her decision to not continue specifically with track, but instead with basketball.
As for Coach Harshaw, a football coach here at Selma High who works principally with sprinters, shared his views on some of his athletes’ preparation skills.
“It’s just consistency. There’s no special workouts and there’s no special ‘things.’ It’s about getting the mindset to be able to do it, day in and day out,” Harshaw explained.
Harshaw then shared some advice for any schools hoping to learn about Selma High’s work ethic.
“We’re tough, and we don’t build that toughness through anything but the work we put in. I think there’s only one direction but up for us,” Harshaw explained.
