“Runners take your marks…” the nerves set in as the runners assume their positions. “Set…BANG,” and they are off. The adrenaline is pumping as each competitor exudes all energy in an effort to beat their opponent.

As the winter sports season comes to a close, coach Ericlee Gilmore begins to recruit students for this year’s track team.

Gilmore has coached the track team for two years and hopes this year will be just as successful as the previous ones.

“The girls’ track team was very successful last season,” Katie Ettner, ’05, said. “We went further that anyone expected us to, both as a team and as individuals. I am really excited about this year’s season and hope to do as well as last year.”

Last season the girls’ team won first in the West Sierra League and the boys were not far behind with fourth place.

“The girls team really surprised me by winning first in the WSL,” Gilmore said. “I didn’t think we had enough people to beat out huge teams such as Fowler. In the end they proved me wrong and their athletic abilities exceeded all expectations.”

Although Gilmore admits this year’s athletes leave him with many questions, he is always ready for a surprise. Along with this questionable start, the season brings out many new competitors to the sport.

“This is my first year of track and I am really looking forward to it,” Derrek Leeman, ’04, said. “I love the fact that it is both a team and individual sport, and having girls on the team makes it even more enjoyable. Gilmore is a great coach and always pushes us to do our best.”

Both new and returning athletes are anticipating an exciting season of unique experiences and enjoyable competition. Gilmore and those working along side him are looking to teach the students lessons of commitment, hard work, and positive attitudes.

“Track is a passion of mine,” Gilmore said. “I enjoy helping others reach there potential and do things they never thought they could. My goal is to allow these students to find something they are good at and give it all they have.”

Those helping out coach Gilmore with these new athletes include his fianc