While many seniors have settled into a sports routine by their final year, senior Rachel Fralick has diversified by coaching the elementary girls’ volleyball team, joining soccer for the first time and taking up track and field.

Known for harsh workouts, track sometimes has a waning appeal, but Fralick says the camaraderie on the team overcomes everything else.

“I love this team because the athletes are dedicated, work hard and never give up,” Fralick said. “We always help each other through the easiest and toughest workouts. We laugh together, we pray together and we compete together as a team. We have been and are becoming a close-knit family.”

Despite a reputation for constant running, Fralick says the truth of this statement does not erase the fun of track.

“Most people think that track is just running and they are partially right,” Falick said. “We do run everyday, but because of all the running our bodies get in shape. It keeps me strong as well and challenges me mentally and physically.”

Fralick has raced in four meets thus far and prefers the 400-m over the other races.

“The 400m is all mental when you’re at a full sprint,” Fralick said. “You can’t give up even when you hit the wall. Your body just starts to shut down and for me my legs go numb and just kind of move on their own. But when you finish it’s the best feeling.”

Although Fralick says she began track to build strong relationships with coaches and teammates, she credits freshman Ashley Erickson with getting her involved in the sport.

“Ashley was the person who influenced me the most to do track,” Fralick said. “We were close during soccer season and she has become like a sister to me. She’s always encouraging and praying for me.”

As a fellow runner, Erickson says Fralick is an encouraging individual and has grown to be an older sister for her.

“Rachel is constantly encouraging even when she’s just as exhausted as everyone else,” Erickson said. “I am incredibly glad she is on the team and after soccer season I have come to see her as an older sister figure. Since she’s a senior, I’m not quite sure what I’ll do without her when she’s gone.”

According to Fralick, the inspirational qualities of coaches Johnny Lopez, Seth Wilson and Janae Ford have motivated her throughout the season.

“The coaches have been really tough, but it’s great because we are getting better,” Fralick said. “Even though they are tough and always pushing me, they often pray with us and laugh with us.”

Ford, ’09 alumna, ran the 400m in high school and hopes Fralick will be able to break her record with Fralick’s “God-given talents”.

“I am confident that by the end of the year Rachel can beat my school record in the 400-m [1:01.97 in 2008],” Ford said. “God has truly gifted her with an athletic ability, and it is very exciting to watch her use that gift to bring God the glory. Rachel is a wonderful young lady and she is a big part of our team.”

Although this is her first time in track and her final year of high school, Fralick maintains several goals for the season.

“My biggest goal is to go to state,” Fralick said. “I want to be a league champion with the team as well as individually. I want to try and get scholarships for college because I want to run and compete at the college level.”

In addition, Fralick hopes to become a leader and model for her team.

“I want to learn from the mistakes I make in events and improve my technique and my speed to accomplish my goals,” Fralick said. “I also want to be a role model this season to encourage everyone spiritually and physically and be a leader on this team, on and off the track. This season I’m going to work as hard as I can, run as hard as I can and just do my best.”

For more information on the current season, check out the Track and field sport shorts, 2010.