The blocks lock as the runner anxiously awaits the starting gun. Blood flows quickly through the athlete’s veins as he waits for the gun to explode. Boom! The gun echoes throughout the arena and the runner is off in a mad dash.

Track and Field is a sport featuring many different varieties of events around the track in which each athlete can participate. From discus, to hurdles to the two-mile, every athlete can find something that they excel at and enjoy.

There are many returning athletes on the 2004 track season, who enjoy the sport and continue to participate in them year after year.

“I have been in track for two years and my favorite part about track is going to the meets,” Jennifer Vandenhoek, ’06 said. “I am looking forward to trying my best this season and beat all of my old records. I just really do not like going to Woodward Park and running hills, maybe Mr. Gilmore will quit that tradition this year.”

In the past the girls’ track and field team has brought home one league championship. In 2002 the girl’s team beat all the larger schools in their league.

“Winning league was a great experience,” Michelle Nachtigall, ’04 said. “The guys often get all the credit in sports, and the girls sometimes get ignored. But in 2002 season we proved to everyone that girls could be great competitors too.”

Mr. Gilmore, campus track and field coach, encourages his athletes to try their very best, and give 100 percent at all times. Through his strategically tactics, and relentless motivation, he strives to continuously lead his team to victory.

“My coaching strategies are to always inspire the athletes to go above and beyond what they ever thought they could do physically,” Gilmore, coach said. “By convincing them mentally to continue, their bodies will follow and excel all expectations.

Being such a small school the team faces many obstacles along the way to becoming a great team. The greatest set back is the evident lack of facilitation. The team has been given the privilege of using Buchannan High School facilities when needed. Yet, the athletes still benefit from all workouts despite the lack of resources.

“I enjoy track and field because it is an individual sport along with a team sport,” Jesse Madsen, co-captain ’05, said. “I get to push myself to do my very best in my events, and in the team relays I can help the team to the best of my ability.”

The track and field team will be competing Wednesdays, and Saturdays throughout the upcoming months. The first meet will take place on March 17, at Fowler vs. Fowler and Mendota.” “” “” “” “” “Insert text here