After a victorious end to the indoor track season, with the boys team securing the state championship, the outdoor track team has been preparing and training to keep the positive momentum and set expectations high.
The varsity team competed at their first meet in Hewitt-Trussville this past Friday, the 28th, exhibiting a good start to its outdoor season with multiple strong performances.
The athletes are focusing on perfecting their skills for their individual-specific events during practices, increasing their running volume and speed as well as strength for the throwers.
An emphasis on team bonding and encouragement drives the team towards success and builds relationships as well as camaraderie.
Head coach Logan Cornutt is proud of his team, especially this year’s senior class, and the way they have set a high standard for the team to follow.
“This senior group is a good cornerstone to our track team. They’ve all run multiple years and work extremely hard. They are ready to go out with a bang,” Cornutt said.
Cornutt has set goals for the team to live up to this season to keep them motivated to finish the outdoor season strong after a frustrating outdoor state last year.
“As long as we continue to work hard and practice hard every day, keeping our head on our shoulders, we should have pretty good results this season,” Cornutt said.
Senior Ada McElroy, hurdler, sprinter and high jumper, has set personal goals as well as team goals for herself and her fellow athletes as she enters her final season on the track team.
“I know a lot of the underclassmen look up to us seniors, so it’s important that we set a good example and be role models for them,” she said. “We have to make sure that we are doing our part to create a positive mindset, collectively.”
As the season progresses, the team will move closer to competing for the state title in May.
“Because it is senior year, I am motivated to finish strong,” McElroy said. “I want the boys to win, I know they can, and I want the girls to keep working hard and finish in the top three.”
With the wide variety of athletes and their many talents across multiple events, the track team will continue their path to victory at state whilst achieving new personal bests and records along the way.
