All spring sports will be starting practice on February 29th; this includes track. It seems like this date comes earlier and earlier each year. Many kids are excited for the nice weather and the atmosphere of track meets, but time to prepare is running short.
While some kids bank on personal talent others are putting in hard work, trying to improve their numbers for the season.
Junior Cade Adler competes in the triple jump and started to get in shape at the start of the new year. He started by cutting pop out of his diet; this is one of the easiest ways to improve physical performance. During the month of February he has been running about ten miles per week. Leg strength is extremely important for jumping.
“This year I need to be more flexible in order to extend my third faze (the last jump of three). Keeping my composure and staying calm is also going to be a major key,” Adler said.
Every athlete knows that coaches also have expectations. Dave Johnson isn’t a man who will scream and yell at you because you didn’t get a certain place. The biggest thing to him is effort. If a kid goes out and gives his best effort Johnson will be proud of said kid no matter the result. That being said, he’s still the coach that will push a kid to do better.
“I thought we gave a good effort last season. Our throws and mid distance were very talented, but were challenged by equally as good teams. Speed needs the most improvement but attendance at practice was very good and that will hopefully lead to growth,” Coach Johnson said.
This is the last year Hastings will be competing in Class-A for track. This means no more Omaha meets with crazy talent, but qualifying for state is no easier. Coach Johnson would love to improve our team standings at District and Conference, but in the end it’s an individual sport. Track is a great sport for anyone because when it all comes down to it, it’s just you doing the best you can do. It’s a great time, an easy way to stay in shape, and it’s never too late to join.
