As the school day ends, many determined runners begin their second round of work training down at the Oak Park High School’s track. This upcoming track season has seen an increase in participants by over 70 athletes since last year, reaching a total of roughly 240 runners. Track and field has been around for years so why is it suddenly so popular?
“It’s an easy sport to get into, and it’s pretty versatile in the fact that there are so many different events that you can do, whether it’s distance, mid-distance or field,” senior Tate Creason said.
Track and field’s versatility attracts diverse athletes, making it a sport that draws and allows a range of competitors. With that in mind coaches are anticipating a strong turnout this season.
“I think the coaches always expect [the number of participants] to be a high number, so then they can take that into consideration when hiring the coaches,” Creason said.
With this many athletes training, it is important to take into consideration how to coach the whole team.
“I prefer [to coach] a bigger group,” head coach Steven White said. “I encourage everyone in high school to have an identity outside of the classroom and the track team is the one that I think just embraces everybody who’s out here in their own different way.”
Coach White is working hard to ensure that all athletes have a positive experience, no matter the size of the team. To build a strong team spirit, White is creating a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome.
“If they’re throwers or jumpers or sprinters or distance runners, they all find their community,” White said. “For me, it’s very satisfying to see them all work together and push each other to get there.”
This sense of community is essential for the team’s success. With this year’s larger team, track and field has high hopes that they will reach their goals by the end of the season.
“[The goals] are to win three league meets, it’s tough for us to do that because we haven’t had the size but we do now,” White said.
OPHS track and field is looking forward to an amazing season of winning meets and bonding closer as a team.
