While track and field closes its second season on campus, the girls’ team won the West Sierra League Championships at Fresno State on April 17 for the first time.

While their WSL championship win came as a surprise for some, Gilmore was confident in his team and encouraged them from the sidelines.

“I think that one of the reasons the girls were able to succeed was their hard work, the encouragement of their teammates and my belief in them,” Gilmore said. “I repeatedly told them that they could do it, and I think that knowing that they had a possibility of winning help them to do well.”

One of the challenges for the track team is self-discipline and commitment at practice in order to reach peek performance in events. At league meets each event is scored up to the third place, yet at the championships competitors have the chance to score points for their school while reaching up to 6th place. In the championships the girls scored 135 points. The girls record in the WSL is 6-0.

“Many track athletics are still trying to figure out what commitment is in the new sport of track and field,” coach Ericlee Gilmore, said. ” I was very surprised and pleased our 13 girls came up big to beat the 23 girls from Fowler.”

Danae Cook, ’05, received first place and set a school record in discus at the WSL Championships with a throw of 74,71/2 feet.

“Track has been fun this season,” Cook said. “I have learned a lot since I started track I’ve done my personal best.”

While competing in a lengthly and unfamiliar event to her, Michelle Nachtigall,’04, who recently started competing in the 300m hurdles, received first place and third in the 100m hurdles.

“After my fall at my last meet for the 100m hurdles, I was a little intimated; but I was able to clear my thoughts and do my best in the 300m hurdles,” Nachtigall said. ” It was exciting for me to set a new personal record and beat my competitor at Fowler, Sara Sherriffs” (04).

Amber Dragoo, ’02, felt at ease while competing this year because of her previous experience on the team. Dragoo, Gina Arabia, ’03, Nikki Hill, ’02 and Jaryn Warren, ’03 received first place in the 4 by 100m relay.

“I wasn’t nervous because we have seen these schools before,” Dragoo said.” Track is a laid back sport because your competing with yourself more than you are competing with other teams.”

To prepare for their meets, the team participated in a warm-up routine, designed by Gilmore to instill proper mechanics and loosen them up for their upcoming events.

The girls’ team next competes at the All Sierra League Championships on May 2.