Many athletes had their Spring season cut short last year including track and field. Meets and practices were postponed through Spring break of 2020 but then soon the season was completely canceled. Coach Bryan Idleman has high hopes and expectations for this year’s incoming track athletes. Idleman works to help his athletes to reach their goals while accommodating the students’ needs. “I really like the coaches, they are both understanding and push you to work hard,” sophomore track athlete Madeline Moncur stated.

With only having a few meets, track students are confident, “I think track will be successful even though it wasn’t last year,” Moncur said. Practices have been consistently more difficult as time progresses so that athletes will be better prepared. to better prepare the athletes for what they say is a “successful” season. Student athletes’ practices vary depending on their event. Throwing and pole vault works on lifting while runners participate in sprints and distance running. Like the workouts, the reasons why students join track vary, Moncur tried track for the “good workouts and to make some friends” as sophomore Chloe Brown joined “to be more involved and to try something new.” 

Track and field is an inclusive sport, meaning that it does not require tryouts, students are able to try out new ways to stay healthy; however, spots on varsity are limited and only experienced participants who have the winning mindset get accepted. Kylie Miller, a senior varsity track athlete, has been competing for four years and is now committed to Arizona State University. “As a team, we need to think in a positive way and not compete against each other but work together,” Miller explained. Miller describes how the team tries to avoid exclusion by having both varsity and exhibition. “I don’t really feel left out at meets when the varsity competes but I could see how one would,” Moncur remarked. 

Many kids from different sports join track during their off season to maintain a healthy body and to stay active during the off season. Junior track athlete Alyssa Sharp participates in club soccer during the winter and then to stay physically active sharp runs on varsity track. “I enjoy doing a sport the whole year. Track helps me with soccer and soccer helps me with track.” Sharp replied.

Track and field competes for individual awards; although, Miller expresses that they work as a team and even though it is not a group sport “we can still cheer each other on,” Moncur remarked. Miller believes that “the connection between cross country and track helps people work together; as well as the relay race because we rely so much on each other for that event.”

Track athletes are determined to make this year count and work hard to make up for the time lost during the pandemic.