Just like that, boys track and field is off like a flash as they prepare to compete.
Senior Will Riley was responsible for three updates on the track record board during his junior season, and the future Sycamore looks to accomplish even more during his final season in the green jersey.
“My main goal is to win State for both the 100 and the 200 meter. My other goal is to break the State record in the 100 meter,” Riley said.
The track team has welcomed some new athletes to bolster their lineup as they compete in one of the toughest track schedules in the state.
“I joined the track team because my friends convinced me to do it for the 100 meter relay team. I have been training with Watson to prepare for my first season,” junior Aiden Houseman said.
Track requires a team with many different skills and talents. Senior Ben Riche took up a new skill freshman year.
“I began pole vault because I always thought it looked super fun and I wanted to try it now. Now, my goal for this season is to pole vault 14 and a half feet by the end of the season,” Riche said.
Track requires a lot of physical exertion, but it also requires mental focus, and these two things make the preparation before a race important.
“I warm up for about 45 minutes before my first race of the meet. After my warmup, I like to sit in silence to think about what I need to focus on and execute during my race,” Riley said.
GHS has a few elite athletes who put in the extra work during the off-season to perfect their trade for competition.
“I do training through the club, and this has made me much better because it allows me to train year round and gives me access to more advanced poles and equipment,” Riche said.
Athletes often have routines on competition day.
“One thing I make sure to do the day of a meet is to drink a Gatorade energy drink. It has become a superstition that I always need,” Riley said.
The track team is looking forward to a great season after a lot of success from last year as they sent eight boys to the state meet.
“I have been training since June and focusing on the things I messed up last year to hopefully be as perfect as possible this year,” Riley said.
The Woodmen train every day to bring themselves to peak athleticism to create the best competition they can for their opponents.
“In practice, we work on conditioning and speed mechanics to perfect our skills,” Houseman said.
The boys track and field team is back in action coming out of spring break to begin their outdoor season at home on April 8 and then again on April 10 at Franklin Central.
