BSC Track Returns after Long Break

— Michael Pfliger, Sports Editor

Bismarck State College has started their track and field program after 38 years without a track and field program. The program has finished their indoor campaign and will begin their outdoor campaign shortly.

With any first year program the worry for many athletes is will the coaches and athletes get along.

“Having coaches that truly care. Yes, all of my coaches in the past have cared about me. But my current coaches there’s something different about them. It’s like they have the same spark as me and they want to be here and a part of this team just as much as I do, if not more. They have a drive and determination just like the athletes and I believe that helps a lot as an athlete knowing your coaches are always there for you and support you through everything,” Bismarck State College freshman Amy Stringer said.

For many athletes this is their first year in college athletics and their experiences have been positive compared to high school.

“I did not have the best access to a weight room or an athletic trainer when I was in high school,” Bismarck State College freshman Brynn Hyttinen said.

Along with different athletics in college there is an entirely different school system that athletes have to adapt to as well. A large piece of the new school system is all of the free time that new college students have compared to high school.

“College is way more chill than high school. Compared to high school you have way more free time and you’re more open to things where in high school you had a set schedule everyday and stuck to it. College you pick your schedule and do what you want to do. If your teacher says you don’t have class you quite literally don’t have class,” Stringer said.

The team is already beginning to see improvement from its short indoor season and many athletes are looking forward to the outdoor season.

“I believe our outdoor season is going to look really well, being most of our team has only ever competed on outdoor tracks it won’t be too different for them to adapt like they had to for indoor,” Stringer said.

Even though it is only the program’s first year many athletes are looking forward to next year and the many years to follow.

“I just wish that this program could be four years instead of two. I love it so much and I am so sad that I’m more than halfway done with my time here,” Stringer said.

Many athletes have found new friendships on the team much like their old high school friends.

“This team is one of the best teams I’ve had throughout any team I’ve been a part of. Not only the friendships but the work ethic from everyone is like no other. This team is a dream team that every athlete or coach could ever want,” Stringer said