Track and field: coaches optimistic on season outlook

As the seventh period bell rings and students leave school, members of the track and field team begin slowly filtering onto the field, ready for a hard day’s workout. Although the track and field meets have not begun yet, students are training hard for the upcoming season.

“This year we have over 160 students on the team. It is a lot, but many of them are veterans so we know their ability level. Those who are new, we have yet to see,” says head coach Bill Daskarolis. “Most of the team is back and I am looking forward to a really good year.”

Many students are also optimistic about the upcoming season. Junior Lauren Croshaw says, “I am definitely looking forward to being with all my teammates again. All the people on the track are awesome. I am also excited about trying to break my personal records and accomplish my goals of improving.”

Fulfilling personal goals and challenges that students have set for them is a key reason for students to join the team. Sophomore Christian Pedro explains, “I am really looking forward to going sub-4:20 in the mile and sub-9:20 in the two mile along with breaking the schools Frosh/Soph records for the mile and the two mile, which [are] 4:27 and 9:43. Also, I’d like to win PAL finals and possibly make it to state for the two mile. It’s going to be a lot of hard work but I’m always up for a challenge. Who knows what I’ll be capable of this season.”

Sophomore Sam Sokolsky has also set goals for himself. “I am hoping to be able to go sub-5 minutes on the one mile and sub-10:45 on the two mile.”

Sophomore Katie Barnes adds, “I am a jumper so I am excited to challenge myself and become better at jumping farther throughout the season.”

The track team will also have some changes this year. “Science teacher Asif Rahman, who is new to the school, will be coaching hurdles and jumps this year,” says Coach Frank Hunt.

Students also prepare themselves for one of the biggest challenges in Track and Field, which is avoiding injury.

“My primary goal in track this season is to not get injured. I trained for only one week the last track season due to my injuries which caused me to miss two months of training. This was frustrating because I wasn’t able to achieve my expectations and goals. However, I have been training well and staying healthy, so this should be a great season,” says Pedro.

Pedro goes on to say, “I do track because I love the competition. I like improving my times and getting faster and faster over the weeks. I enjoy racing a lot, especially when I race against people that are well known because I can challenge myself to beat them. When I win, it is the best feeling. I recently beat the number one sophomore in the state, who is Richard Ho, last Saturday in the two mile at Cal Berkeley.”

With over 160 participants and events such as distance, sprints, relays, throws, jumps, and hurdles, the track and field team is well prepared for an exciting upcoming season.
There will be five home meets this year and the first League Meet is scheduled for March 10th at Aragon.