By Araceli Galarza and Ariana Perez Posted March 20, 2020
Track season came running at full speed, with new coaches, new coaching styles, and new everything. The team was really in for a shock. This year, along with coaches Byron Jeppsen and Kitty Norcutt, Lowry welcomed coaches Sergio Cabada, Chad Backus, and Maite Hernandez.
Head coach, Byron Jeppsen, is making a few changes to how the team functions.
“The one big change we did make is that we have athletes split into four groups: throwers, distance, jumpers, sprinters,” said Jeppsen.
Jeppsen’s Main focus is on Conditioning and working on the technical aspects this season.
“Track isn’t as simple as just going out and running, jumping, or throwing. There are technical elements to every event in track, and it is important that we repeat these technical elements over and over so that they become natural,” said Jeppsen.
Lesley Martinez, a junior on the team, spoke about the different coaches and what they are focusing on.
“My throwing coach is Mr. Jeppsen, and he is also the head coach,” said Martinez. “The long-distance coaches are coaches Cabada and Norcutt, the sprinting coach is Chad Backus, and the jumping coach is Coach Maite [Hernandez].”
Martinez also explained what having different coaches provides for the teams. She enjoys the different perspectives and the improvements that come with new coaches.
“The best part about it is being able to get a different perspective of the sport and having a fresh start with people who care about making you better,” said Martinez.
With a new season and new personnel, athletics can be meaningful for the athlete.
“I think being a student-athlete has taught me important life lessons, such as responsibility. Sports teach people to work together and have accountability along with responsibility,” said Sophomore Alexis Olson.
Junior Robert Rangel also spoke about the differences involving new coaches.
“There is nothing different with our practices except for a fresh mind that knows running and the mindset around it,” explained Rangel.
Jeremy Walker, a junior, appreciates the changes and how the new leadership is influencing the team.
“Now we train a lot more independently in our groups compared to last year, and it’s been really nice,” said Jeremy Walker. “We are all very supportive of each other and are, overall, a pretty great team. The new coaches have brought an all-new type of organization and leadership to the program, which is really nice to experience.”
Eddie Leon, who is a senior, enjoys the new changes.
“Last year I didn’t do track, but from the past year compared to this year, everything is more organized, and I can proudly say these coaches have made track a fun place to come to after a long day of school,” said Leon.
Many people only get around to running when it’s away from something, but for these individuals, track provides so much more than just that. Martinez and Rangel appreciate the and their personal improvements.
“It’s a team, as well as an individual sport; you can excel in your own event and still compete as a team,” said Rangel.
“I feel like this season we’re really focusing on improving form and technique as well as strength, and I’ve improved mostly in shotput, but there is definitely room for improvement,” said Martinez.
With each athlete come personal goals as well. Alex Femat and Leon shared some of theirs.
“My goals for the season are to improve myself and to get a new personal record,” said Femat.
“My goals are to improve my times and improve my work ethic,” said Leon. “Being a student-athlete has taught me some amazing things in life, such as being responsible, and being on top of not only your sport but making sure you’re able to compete both on the track and in the classroom.”
NOTE: This article was written prior to the announcement of the suspension of spring sports.
