Early spring temps send tracksters outdoors to prep for season competition

As Oshkosh unthaws, so have the legs of West’s dedicated track stars. Despite the mere two weeks beneath their spikes, spring’s early start has allowed the team to make great strides. Distance coach Stephanie Polak is excited to watch the team tackle new highs this season. 

“I’m so excited about the number of athletes we have this season, and I look forward to seeing the growth and development of the entire team,” she said. “I think there’s a lot of talent on both the boy’s and girl’s side, and I am so excited to see how we do in the conference.” 

Typically, the team faces a slow start as snow obstructs the track. The frigid temperatures trap much of the team inside, including the field events, who rely on outdoor equipment. This year, the groundhog rightfully predicted an early spring and the track team has been soaking it all in. 

“I’ve been coaching track for a long time, and this has been the best weather start we’ve ever had. We were able to have our jumpers jump in the pits the first two weeks of practice, which rarely happens,” Polak said. “Pole vaulters and high jumpers have been using the pits, and distance runners have had great workouts without snow on the track. We’ve also been able to do some workouts that we couldn’t in past years because the athletes are coming in stronger and more conditioned.”

Head Coach Nicole Fischer agrees, as she sees heightened motivation in her athletes as the weather warms. 

“My favorite part is when the weather gets nice and we’re able to get outside,” she said. “I also love seeing the athletes progress throughout the season, especially when we make the transition from indoor to outdoor meets.” 

In order to fill rosters and remain competitive, athletes are sometimes assigned to a under represented event, despite never competing in it. While the beginnings of the endeavor are uncomfortable, athletes often find most success when trying something completely new. 

“It’s so exciting to watch athletes find confidence in themselves and find success in things they never thought they had the ability to do,” Fischer said. 

Cutting time and increasing heights is rewarding for athletes and coaches alike. Seeing tangible evidence of progress assures coaches that the time, energy, and encouragement they provide is filling their athletes with pride. 

“The athletes are the reason I do it. There’s nothing better than watching an athlete have their personal best. Celebrating with them at the finish line is really exciting,” Polak said. “Honestly, our biggest goal is to keep everyone healthy and happy, and to see their times, distances, and throws improve.”

While the season’s sunny start brings promise, they are bound to face gloom from time to time. Keeping chins high and facing each storm head on is what the team desperately needs to approach success. 

“It is especially challenging when our younger athletes shut down mentally just because they don’t see results instantly,” hurdles and sprint coach DeShawn Dickinson said. 

Junior Ciera Striley feels chained by her mind when it comes to achieving freedom to rise above every hardship. 

“No matter what events you do, the hardest part is the mental aspect. The physical aspect is the easiest part for me, but the mental aspect is what you need to fight through to get to your potential,” she said. “This season, I hope to surround myself with my teammates and keep up a positive mindset as I push as hard as I can.” 

Keeping spirits high is crucial as the team strives to live up to the previous season. 

“We have big shoes to fill because the girls won sectionals and regionals last year,” Fischer said. “Another big goal is to bring as many people to state as possible. We’d like to continue to see some of the school records go down, and see athletes exceed their PRs from the previous year.” 

Junior Henna Kaiser can easily recall the girls’ regional win, as it is one of her fondest track memories. 

“At girls regionals last year, we all left not expecting to win anything. Then, when we were at Culver’s, they called us and said we had to hurry back because of a jump off one of our guys was involved in,” she said. “It was 11:00 PM so we all wanted to go home, but when we went back we found out that the girls won regionals by one point.” 

While out-doing previous triumphs generates great pressure, Polak is confident in the athlete’s ability to self-sustain, in both motivation and nurture. 

“I honestly think the key to success is the athletes taking care of themselves. They need to be making sure their school work is done, and that they’re sleeping, eating right, and supporting each other,” she said. “If the teammates continue to lift one another up, our times are bound to come down. All they need is encouragement.”

By Jazmine Blustin