SPORTS OPINION

All athletes should try winter track

The high school’s faster you are, the better athlete you are tive event. The high school winter track winter track and the more likely you are to succeed team took over 30 athletes to states this program has in all sports. The evidence of success is past season and brought home two state been a staple of the presented when these winter track ath- championships in the 4x200 and 4x800 Granville athletics letes begin their spring seasons and are relays respectively. for years as the team already well conditioned and in shape for Through becoming accustomed to the works to improve ath- their upcoming seasons. competition and the coping that comes letic skills and move- In sports such as lacrosse, baseball, from either winning or losing. athletes

WHIT MILLER ments not only for the winter track season softball and tennis, the increased footwork and footspeed immediately benecan mentally prepare themselves for spring and be one step ahead of oppobut for preparations fits the athletes because of the nature of nents who have not had the same expofor future sports seasons in the spring. the sports. The same with the improved sure so early in the year.

Aside from the evident success of the strength from the work in the weight This mental preparation, combined winter track team in season, the pro- room during the winter season. In track with the increased strength and speed gram’s ability to recruit student athletes and field, everything worked on in winter aspects of athletics, gives the student from a multitude of other sports enables track translates over to the spring season athletes participating in the winter track the athlete’s to improve in various speed as student-athletes have been working program a distinct advantage in the and strength areas that will greatly ben- on track specific skills all winter. spring against opponents regardless of efit them in their spring sport. Through In addition to the athletic advance- what sport they are playing. The wInter working on the fundamentals of increas- ments made by the student-athletes, the track team at the high school is a very ing strength and speed, students become members of the team also begin to get a successful and productive program that better overall atheletes through the taste of competition through winter track keeps athletes in shape during what program. that they otherwise would have to wait would otherwise be the off season as

The team’s training is made up of until spring to experience. This exposure well as provide athletic advantages and regimented workouts that cycle through to early competition comes from the further preparation for the spring season strength training in the weight room as various meets that the high school winter which provides the student athlete with a well as speed and agility on the track all track team participates in and as a result head start on the spring competition. in an effort to build a better athlete. This prepares the atheletes for competition in Overall, the winter track program is a improves the athlete’s capabilities on the spring. Given the strength of the high great option for a student athlete looking the field in other sports which increas- school's program, many student athletes to stay in shape and become a better athes their success. This stems from the even get the opportunity to go to the lete as well as become a better teammate obvious fact that the bigger, stronger and state meet to compete in their respec- for future athletic seasons.

Athlete Opinion: How has winter track helped spring athletes?

“The mental and physical demands brings the entire team closer, creating an environment where everyone pushes one another" -Jenna Unkefer “It gives you a head start for the spring and a taste of competition." -Jacob Krieger “Winter track gives you an opportunity to compete and get a feel for what spring will bring.” -Max King

“It really helps you maintain your speed and strength and lets you compete too." -Keshawn Bonner “Track keeps me in great shape while being around my close friends. It is tough but has many benefits.” -Addison Lilly