Going into the new season, track has set the bar high and expects to reach new heights in both the girls and boys teams. Senior athletes Makayla Long, Kylie Miller, and Zach Extine have all achieved accomplishments in their past season and now are pushing harder to break their previous records. 

Practicing an average of five days out of the week, athletes are preparing for their meets as well as a possible state meet to finish the season.

 The girls team wishes to finish in the top three for state this year. The boys wish to finish in the top ten. 

“This year, the girls are strong in throws, distance events, hurdles, jumps, and pole vault. We should make state in each of the relays as well.  The boys are strong at distance events, hurdles and jumps. As always, we want to see growth in our athletes and we hope to break school records each year,” said Coach Bryan Idleman.

Long broke three records in shot put, disc, and javelin last season. Her primary goal consists of breaking the national high school discus record this season. Long will be attending Baylor University in the fall where she plans on throwing and continuing her track and field career. 

“I think the girl’s track and field will do great. Just show up to work every single day. The team is coached by a great coach, Bryan Idleman. He cares a lot about his athletes and we care about each other so I think this season will go great,” said Long. 

Miller is a long distance runner who will be attending ASU in the fall and joining the cross country and track teams. She participates in the 4×800 relay, 800m, 1600m, and 3200m races. 

“I have been a part of track and field since middle school. However, I ran in a running club after school in elementary… and then I was always a soccer player,” said Miller. 

Extine is a member of the boy’s track team. Extine is a top contender for the hurdles and has been a part of track and field for four years. Like all the other members of track and field, Extine was devastated that their season last year got shortened due to COVID-19. 

“My goal for this upcoming season is to just get better and hopefully win state… I do the 200 and hurdles but I am best at hurdles… and this season I think the boys team is going to do pretty good,” said Extine. 

On top of getting in shape for the new season, Coach Idleman and the rest of the coaching staff are facing many unprecedented challenges in regards to COVID. 

“We will be attending track meets at this time. Lots of schools are canceling meets so we’re having a hard time building out our schedule. We hope for 6-7 varsity meets and 4-6 smaller meets for everyone and then a state meet to finish the season”, said Coach Idleman.

Coach Idleman and the rest of the track team continue to show up to practice with the will to work, keeping State in the back of their minds.