Track & Field

Young track team sprinting to next level

April 2005

by Molly Mack, Evergreen Sports writer

This season, the men’s track and field team has been focusing on the basics to develop the fundamentals.

With such a young group, the team is focused on technique, speed, and conditioning.

"This team is a very young squad with no seniors. So in that respect, it is a very inexperienced group of athletes that has a great deal of potential talent. We have really gotten back to the fundamentals that make you successful in track. It has been very much a learning experience so far for the guys. But thus far they have worked extremely hard to be the best that they can be," said Stacey Johnson, head coach.

Jason Yaffe, distance coach, is also focusing on the finer points of running to help the team improve.

"As the distance coach, I have placed more of an emphasis on speed and leg turnover than in the past," said Coach Yaffe.

The runners are assured that their coaches are making them better with each practice. "Coach Yaffe is very sure about what he is doing with the distance runners. Now, we are going past the base phase of our training and working more on speed," said sophomore Michael Trejo.

The coaches are setting high expectations for the team to continue improving each week throughout the season.

"We want each athlete to do their best to improve themselves as individuals while at the same time making everyone around them better as well. This team works tremendously hard day in and day out. And they compete to the best of their ability week in and week out," said Coach Johnson.

The runners share the coaches’ vision and understanding that their preparation is the key to improving each race.

"We have prepared by practicing everyday, making sure we eat healthy and focusing on how we will run. The way we practice will make us better, faster, and stronger for each race. Our team continues to improve, we just haven’t reached our full potential yet," said sophomore Xavier Cinque.

The team’s strengths lie in their distance runners, pole-vaulters, and a young group of sprinters.

"We’re still trying to re-establish higher standards for the men’s team. [In the distance event], we should be stronger than in years past and we also have a young group of eager sprinters," said Coach Yaffe.

The team is confident in their distance runners and hopes to continue improving each week.

"I think we have a good distance squad with strong runners running the 3200, 1600, and the 800. Our relays are improving every meet me participate in. We also have a strong will to be tough competitors and being the best we can be," said Xavier.

"Before the season began I was really excited to get to start vaulting again, and that continuing enthusiasm has helped me work hard during the season," said junior Zach Abel. Many athletes agree that team unity strengthens their performance each day.

"Although many great athletes may have graduated last year, the team has definitely improved because I sense a much stronger team bond; those who were here last year are old friends, and this year’s freshman class has really joined in and added to the

track team family. The team members are much closer, and it is much easier to work with family than with individual athletes," said Zach.

With such a young team, the coaches are excited to see the team improve and develop throughout the season.

"I am really looking forward to working with a group of kids who is really committed to improving themselves as athletes. It is a great deal of fun to go out and work with kids who have fun day in and day out. I think we will really surprise some people in the end as we get closer and closer to reaching our potential," said Coach Johnson.

The team will run next at the Tom Landry Relays on Apr. 16.