ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

NATE THE GREAT

Senior Nathan Newsom (second from right) poses with his 2021 4x200m relay teammates Tyler Niedermeyer ('21), Will Pritchard ('21)and Keshawn Bonner ('21). Photo courtesy of Rex Carr.

BY KAISON DURHAM What is your favorite memory of running track?Q:

A: That would definitely have to be winning the state championship as a team, as well as placing fourth in the nation as a 4x200 relay.

Q: What have you done to prepare for this season?

A: This is the first year I have really taken track seriously. I decided against playing football this year and focused on training over the summer and for fall for track.

Q: What are you most excited for about nationals?

A: Well, last year even though we finished fourth in the nation, we were unable to go to nationals due to Covid. So the most exciting part is being able to go for sure this time and have that experience in my last year of track.

Q: Do you plan on continuing track after high school?

A: That's the plan. I'm not sure where I'm going yet, but I want to run at the next level.

Q: What are your predictions for this season?

A: I am focusing on my main event this year and having a lot of success. So I predict that I will keep getting faster and hopefully allow myself to place at the state championship.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to underclassmen running track what would it be?

A: Track is just as hard mentally as it is physically. If you have a bad race, don't let it get in your head. You just have to move on and prepare yourself for the next one.

Q: How does it feel to be a senior leader on the team?

A: It feels a little weird knowing that I'm supposed to set an example, but in all, I like the responsibility and I get a little bit more freedom from the coaches.

Q: How do you deal with the high expectations for this season?

A: I just run my race. I know that both myself and others have high expectations, but there is no sense in worrying about it. Just gotta get the job done.

Q: What's the most difficult part about running track?

A: Not putting too much pressure on yourself. If you stress out too much before a race, it throws everything off and can cost you heavily.

Q: How would you describe the spirit of the team this year?

A: It's definitely a lot different of an atmosphere with all of our varsity team graduating last year; however, it's a new type of spirit that has started to grow on me.