As we approach the start of the track and field season, all eyes are on the Duluth High School track team. With high expectations and a clear goal in mind, the team is ready to take on the competition and make their mark. I had the opportunity to speak with Coach Darren Sbraga about the team's top returning players, new additions, and plans for the season.
When asked about the top returning players, Coach Sbraga immediately highlights the importance of improvement for the entire team. However, there are a few standout athletes from last season who are expected to make a big impact this year. Tobi Arimah, a junior who runs the 110m Hurdle, qualified for Sectionals last year as a sophomore, and Coach Sbraga is excited to see how much he improves this season.
Additionally, senior Krysta Robinson finished 3rd in both the shot put and discus at the region meet last year, and Coach Sbraga has high expectations for her senior year. He also mentions the girl's 4x100m and 4x200m teams, who set school records last year and made it to Sectionals and even the State Finals. With only one member lost from the 4x100 team, Coach Sbraga anticipates even better results this season.
As for new players, Coach Sbraga is particularly excited about junior Maleek Morgan, who just joined the team this year. Despite the cold and wet conditions at a recent meet, Morgan ran an impressive 55 seconds in the 400m race. Coach Sbraga believes he will be a strong asset to the team this season.
When it comes to team captains, Coach Sbraga looks for qualities such as initiative, leadership by example, and the ability to be a coach on the track. He mentions that there are several players who are currently captains or vying for the role.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are important aspects of any successful team, and Coach Sbraga has a plan to foster a strong bond among his athletes. He mentions that good team captains play a crucial role in this, but he also emphasizes the importance of challenging the team to give their all and pushing them to be their best. This mentality not only helps build a strong team bond but also prepares the athletes for tough competition.
When discussing the biggest challenges in preparing for this season, Coach Sbraga mentions the increase in the size of their region, which will make it tougher to qualify for Sectionals. However, he is confident that the team is well-prepared and ready to take on this challenge.
The team's schedule for this season looks promising, and Coach Sbraga is particularly excited about the opportunity for his athletes to compete against tough opponents. He believes that this will not only push them to improve but also give them the chance to showcase their skills.
As for any changes or improvements made to the team's training and conditioning program, Coach Sbraga mentions that their sprint program is based on Tony Holler's "Feed the Cats" program. This program has been implemented for the past three years and has resulted in setting seven school records in sprint events. This success is a testament to the effectiveness of the program and the hard work put in by the athletes.
Coach Sbraga also addresses the mental aspect of the game and emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, especially during the cold weather meets early in the season. He believes that the team's biggest strength lies in their female relay sprinters, who have proven themselves and are expected to continue to excel. However, he also acknowledges that the boys' relay teams may face some challenges with the loss of key members from last year's team. Nevertheless, he is confident that with hard work and determination, they will reach their potential.
In terms of coaching philosophy, Coach Sbraga's main focus is to challenge his athletes to give their all and run as fast as they can every rep. He believes that this mentality not only leads to individual improvement but also builds a strong team dynamic.
In conclusion, the Duluth High School track team is gearing up for an exciting and challenging season. With a strong mix of returning players and new talent, along with a solid training program and a determined coach, this team is poised to achieve great things. As they set their sights on Sectionals and the State, one thing is clear - the Duluth High School track team is a force to be reckoned with.
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