By Clark Campbell

   Sprinting, throwing and jumping make track and field one of Tempe Prep’s most versatile sports. Since numerous events are involved, many athletes join the TPA high school track team, and many succeed. 

   This year the track team has a new head coach who is actually not so new to Tempe Prep athletics. Head Coach David Lane has been involved with TPA sports for the past couple of years, helping student athletes improve in strength and conditioning. He was the head coach of the high school boys basketball team this year, and led the team to the state championship game, where they finished second. 

   Coach Lane’s goal with the track team is to master the basics. He says, “I think what I’m doing with the track and field team this year is changing the culture and diving deep into the fundamentals and mechanics of the sport, making sure the fundamental basics are implemented before moving to the next step.”

   Junior John Bergin says, “Track is a real challenge with Coach Lane due to his intense exercises and his way of changing the culture of sports at TPA.” Yet the team still has a familiar face: Coach “Doc” Hickernell, the long-distance coach and longtime faculty member, remains with the team for another season.

   The track team recently started practices at the McClintock High School track with high hopes. In the past, the team has had huge successes. Last year alone multiple athletes placed at the state meet in running, throwing, hurdling and jumping events. 

   With Coach Lane’s success in coaching at Tempe Prep, the team has high hopes.

   Junior Hannah Chadwick says, “I am so excited for track. I think Coach Lane can really take our whole team somewhere this year and I cannot wait to see how much improvement we all make both individually and as a team.”