A sport meant to drive athletes together as a team, in a competitive way, is just one of the many ways to describe track and field. With many events to compete in, a variety of student athletes can find their passion and spot on our team here at Canyon!
With so many events, one may wonder what the best fit is for them. For runners, you can participate in sprints, hurdles, and distance racing. Distance racing can range from 100 to 1,600 meters. However, if running isn't your forte, then the field events may be perfect for you. People who love the feeling of being in the air can choose from pole vaulting, long jumps, and high jumps. For those with plenty of arm strength, discus and shot put are ideal choices.
Canyon's Track and Field team has over 40 league titles and strong CIF finishes. In fact, during this year’s League Finals at College of the Canyons, 11 of Canyon’s Varsity athletes and four JV/Frosh-Soph athletes became League Champions!
On May 9, some of Canyon’s athletes competed in the CIF-SS Prelims. Expectations were high from the start, but it wasn’t just about winning—it's about the athletes themselves. Although training is tiring, coaches need the team to push themselves to improve. Runner Keyshawn Wooten said, “The training is excruciating pain and agony. It is a lot of work, and you must be mentally prepared.”
Different teams have different environments: some are laid back while others are more tightly wound. However, Canyon’s Track and Field team is still a place where you can have fun while cheering each other on during competitive events. Varsity League Champion for the 1,600 meter run, Owen Souther, said, “My favorite thing about being a part of the team is goofing off with my teammates during the road trips to meets and races.”
Success for a team will always tie back to the members themselves and supporters beside them. Some of the biggest fans are the team’s coaches. The athletes and coaches are in it together, which allows them to grow stronger. Ms. Van Gessel, one of the pole vaulting coaches, noted, “The most rewarding part of coaching is seeing athletes come in with zero experience and gradually build confidence, skill, and passion for their event.”
A team can truly improve together while gaining long-lasting friendships, especially with the help of supportive coaches. A student who has benefited from this is Izzy Garcia, a distance runner who stated, “My schedule is difficult to handle, but my teachers understand and are really flexible. It helps a lot.”
Nonetheless, Track and Field is time consuming just like any other sport. You may need to miss classes occasionally and keep up with the work, all while physically and mentally challenging yourself. However, if you are up to it, it is an extremely rewarding environment that has the potential to make lasting memories and grow as a person!
