For most sports, the new season comes with a new set of seniors to lead the team. But for the Yutan boys track team, this season brought none, forcing juniors and underclassmen into leadership roles.
“As a team, we’re short on numbers for sure, and we have fewer people who will compete than last year, so I think I’ll have to step up as a leader, especially among the throwers, and take on more of a role as an upperclassman,” junior Peyton Reed said.
These lower numbers bring many challenges for the team to overcome during the season.
“Last year, we had quite a few seniors who were part of a lot of the successful relays. I mean, we lose all those seniors, so just kind of figuring out who’s going to be in certain relay events is a challenge,” sophomore Kaleb Fenner said.
Even with the low number of boys, the coaches still aim to make track feel like a team sport rather than an individual sport.
“We make practices competitive so the kids push each other. When they see each other work hard, they naturally root for each other to succeed. Plus, when we have enough good athletes and can compete for team titles, it makes it more fun,” boys head coach Dan Krajicek said.
By making the atmosphere more competitive, the boys can set high goals for themselves.
“I really want to qualify for state again and medal this year for pole vault. I hope we qualify for some of our relays, too,” junior Otto Henkel said.
Other athletes are looking to qualify for state for the first time.
“I really want to make it to state and hopefully medal this year after I lost at districts last year,” Reed said.
Not only do the athletes have goals, but the coaches do as well.
“Our main goals are just to get better throughout the season. We like to get kids to qualify for state, but if they improve on their own PR’s (personal records), that is awesome enough,” Krajicek said.
Overall, the boys are excited for this year’s track season, despite their low numbers.
“I am most excited to compete with everybody. We have a lot of good athletes, and it’s really fun to compete with your friends and just be around all of them,” Fenner said.
