by Peyton Hove, GHS Blue Ink
With spring comes spring sports, and after two years the GHS tracksters are able to get back out and compete. Track and field started practice on Monday, March 22, and (mostly) everyone was eager to get started.
“I am looking forward to it because it has been two years since we've been able to be on the track. So it's actually quite exciting, even though I know some kids don’t necessarily think it’s that exciting, but I’m hoping that we have a full season,” said head coach Mrs. Bev Howe.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what the track season is like especially with COVID last year and not being able to have a full season. Just to see how much we can accomplish this season with less experience,” stated past state qualifier, senior Madden Lardy.
This week has been up and down with the weather, but the runners still get after it on the paved streets of Garretson. And the fielders are getting stronger every day in the gym. Track practice consists of workouts from running meters to miles to get back into shape, and strength training with reps to throw the distance.
“My goal this season is to break a five-minute mile. My fastest is 5:19, so I need to break off 19 seconds,” said sophomore Matthew Gilbert.
“I hope to make it to state. My first year at state my sophomore year was not good at all, so I’m hoping to redeem my track career and do better this time,” said Lardy.
Coach Howe said athletes just need to have a positive attitude with anything whether they like what they are doing or not, and try to have a little fun during the difficult workouts to stay motivated during practices. Twenty-two girls and twenty-three boys went out for track and field this season.
The first track meet will be held in Sioux Falls for the West Central Early Bird on April 6. Hopefully, the tracksters will be given the full season and not have a new pandemic spring up.
