Distance track and field coach Aaron Ballew has expectations for the team this year based not on success, but on a good outlook.
“Since we have such a young team, our expectations are not based on results as much as it is based on developing positive attitudes,” he said.
Ballew hopes to get students who don’t see themselves as typical track athletes on the team.
“I’ve seen many great athletes come out for track for the very first time and be very successful because of hidden talents,” he said. “The only way for students to find these talents is to open up and give different events a shot.”
He is aware of the competition the Timberwolves will be facing in the lanes, but hopes to bring out leaders in more experienced athletes.
“The EKL is a tough league in all sports, but getting used to seeing that competition early in our school’s history will prepare us for the future,” Ballew said. “Many of our athletes have run for other schools in the EKL, and we plan on using those leaders to help with the young or new athletes.”
Ballew is uncertain about what the future brings as far as the type of chemistry the team will have, but he knows it will be there regardless.
“Team bonding is universal within the sport of track, regardless of whether the team has been together forever or if it is your first year,” he said. “Track isn’t an easy sport, and that ‘shared suffering’ that occurs builds the relationships within the team.”
The track team will lace up their shoes at the Baldwin Invitational on April 1.