By Hannah Frazier

   TPA’s track season is off to a fast start with a large group of runners ready to take on new challenges. 

   On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:15-5:30 p.m., the athletes practice at the McClintock High School track. On Thursdays and Fridays, the team has been taking advantage of the new TPA Athletic Performance Center for some weight training followed by running at Hollis Park.

   Though they train as a team, members of track all focus on achieving personal goals during practices. Junior Annie Goodykoontz says, “A regular track practice looks different for each track participant, based on if you are a sprinter, a long distance runner, or do a throwing event.” As a sprinter, Annie uses practice to work on her running form. Sprinters typically work with Head Coach David Lane while distance runners work with Doc Hickernell. Throwers practice their events with the throwing coach, Coach Hungerford.

   However, the team starts practice together with a warm up before splitting up. At the end of practice, the team comes together again for core work or stretching. 

   Senior Cameron Hill talks about team goals for the season. He says, “Our goal as a team is to get as many runners to state as possible, especially our relay teams, but also for everyone on the team to improve throughout the season and have some fun.” He hopes to cut his times down in his events, the 4x100m relay, the 4x400m relay, and the 200m dash, similar to many of his fellow teammates. 

   Junior Hannah Chadwick hopes to make it to state in the hurdling events. Though some might cower at the hard work required of track runners, Hannah rises to the challenge. She says, “I love track: sprinting, hurdling, the team; just everything about it, so it’s always just been a given that I do it. It also majorly helps me stay fit and pushes me to be my absolute best which is a huge plus.”

   Annie, a first-year track member, decided to join the team to try something new. She says joining was a great decision because it allowed her to not only explore her hobby of running, but also be a part of a team – all while enjoying the beautiful spring weather!

   Another first year member of the TPA track this year is the new head coach, Coach Lane. His name might sound familiar because he is the same coach who led our high school basketball team to a state runner-up spot and won the title of the Region’s Coach of the Year!

   Senior Maeve Jastrzebski says that Coach Lane reinvented the throwing team and is incredibly supportive of all the track members. She says, “He has helped me improve so much! Because of him I have gotten a personal record at every meet and am hoping to go to state this year!”

   Coach Lane has helped bring the track team together. Cameron says that track has been a great way of meeting new people. “The track community is very supportive and I’ve made a lot of friends each year I have done track,” he says.

   With all the changes made to the practice schedule and coaching team, the TPA track team is excited for the rest of their upcoming season. Their next meet is the Valley Christian Al Nelson Invitational on April 14.