Behind the blocks
Running, jumping, throwing, and good times.
These are just a few of the things associated with track and field. But to many, this is a very simplistic understanding of the sport.
Through all the sprints, relays, and hurdles, there is a deeper meaning to what track and field is and how it exactly works.
Track meets are based on “individual scoring and then team scoring,” Coach Rodriguez said. “Every meet is a little bit different,” which is why it is hard to give a defined explanation on how track meets work.
Track and field is a team sport. While individual performance does matter, at the end of the day, you win or lose as a team.
When asked to explain how track meets are scored, Rodriguez said that they take individual scores and “put them as a team score. And that’s basically how you win as a team.”
Rodriguez said that he enjoys the team aspect of track and field and how there are many “different personalities and work ethics.”
“Obviously, you have your distance kids, your sprinters, your jumpers. I think that is pretty unique compared to most sports.”
During track and field, there are many fun events to partake in.
“My favorite event in track is the 100-meter dash,” said Senior Cin’Anthony Johnson.
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to picking events, but there is usually something for everyone.
Senior Dain Barie said that his favorite event is the “4×400 because it is the most exciting.”
The events are not the only enjoyable part of track. Many enjoy the company of their peers and the memories made between events. Johnson said that his favorite thing about track is “the time you get to spend with friends, socializing, laughing, and having a good time.”
With socializing and sharing a couple of laughs with teammates comes a strong feeling of camaraderie. “My favorite part about track is the supportive atmosphere – if someone is running a hard race or is trying to run a good time, the whole team is on the field cheering them on,” Barie said.
Track meets are also a good place to meet new people. Barie stated that the best part about meets is that “you meet new people and make new friends.”
With the highs, there must also come the lows.
While many events tend to get track athletes excited and pumped up to compete, others tend to extinguish that flame of enthusiasm. Even though there are many enjoyable events, others are heavily dreaded by track athletes.
Senior Dain Barie said, “My least favorite event is the 800m because I feel so gassed after.”
Running events are not the only ones that are tedious to track athletes in. “My least favorite event is the long jump,” Senior Cin’Anthony Johnson said.
While many enjoy going to away meets to encounter new people and potentially make new friends, it is apparent that track meets go on for a long period of time. Johnson stated that track meets take long, which is not favorable on school nights, because “you get no time for homework.”
It is also evident that conditions for track meets are never always perfect. “The weather always seems to suck at meets and we’re outside for the whole time,” Barie said.
