Coach Christopher Gould has been leading the Amherst Regional High School track and field team for many successful seasons. With a small but talented group of athletes, he has high hopes for the upcoming season, both in terms of individual and team accomplishments. In this article, we will take a closer look at the team and their potential for the season, as we ask Coach Gould about his top returning players, new players, team chemistry, motivation, challenges, coaching style, and more.
According to Coach Gould, the team has a "small but loaded stable of athletes with great experience and pedigree." The top returning players from last season include Moriah Luetjen, Ololara Baptiste, Ruby Austin, Ella Austin, and Elizabeth Sawicki. These athletes have all had success in individual and relay events, and Coach Gould believes that they will continue to be key players for the team this season. Moriah Luetjen, a national caliber runner in the 200m, 400m, and 800m events, is expected to make a big impact for the team.
Ololara Baptiste, who ran the freshman 100m at Nationals last year, is also a strong contributor in relay events. Ruby Austin, a senior who may also compete in the 800m this year, and Ella Austin, a sophomore who was part of the team's national relays last year, are both expected to have a significant impact. Elizabeth Sawicki, a versatile senior athlete, has the ability to compete in various events, including the pole vault, triple jump, 400m hurdles, and two miles.
Coach Gould is excited about the new additions to the team this season. Skylar Fox, a newcomer, was part of the dynamic indoor New England 4x400m championship team. Claire Fortin, a freshman, is a versatile sprinter and long jumper. Juliana Albo, also a freshman, is expected to excel in hurdles, high jump, and long jump. Genevieve Dole, another freshman, is a distance runner and high jumper who has already cleared 5'00" indoors. Marit MacDonald, a freshman distance runner, was a key member of the girls' champion cross-country team. These new players, along with other talented athletes, are expected to make an immediate impact on the team.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Gould prefers to avoid competition for the position. He believes that anyone who wants to help lead the team can do so. This approach creates a positive and inclusive environment, where every member of the team has the opportunity to contribute and be a leader. As a result, this year's captains include both new and freshman athletes.
Coach Gould is a firm believer in the importance of team chemistry and camaraderie. He believes that it is crucial for the team's success and motivates his players to work together towards a common goal. To foster a sense of unity and teamwork, the team has team dinners, open and friendly conversations, and frequent recognition of each other's efforts and accomplishments. These activities help the team to appreciate the importance of collective purpose and drive them to push themselves to their full potential.
As a coach, Coach Gould understands that it can be challenging to motivate athletes to push themselves to their full potential, especially with a small team. However, he believes that the team's success at the end of the season is a result of their hard work and dedication throughout the season. He also encourages his athletes to focus on the bigger picture and see the improvement and contribution they make to the team's welfare. This approach has proven successful in the past, and Coach Gould hopes to continue to motivate and push his team to excel.
One of the biggest challenges for the team is the struggle with numbers. With a small team, it can be challenging to compete against larger teams with more depth. However, Coach Gould and his assistant coaches work hard to sell the rewards that come with seeing improvement and contributing to the team's success. He also hopes to see an increase in the team's numbers, which would be a significant improvement for the team.
Coach Gould's coaching style has not changed significantly from previous seasons. He continues to work with his assistant coaches to prepare the team for tough opponents and challenging meets. As a team, they hope to contend for WMASS, State Divisional, and New England championships. They also have their sights set on performing well at the Penn Relays and Nationals in Oregon.
The mental aspect of the game is essential for Coach Gould and his team. He believes that it is crucial to keep the team focused and motivated, especially during the tough moments. As a coach, he tries to keep the team's spirits high and encourages them to support and uplift each other. He also works closely with the other coaches to ensure that all aspects of the game, including mental preparation, are addressed.
Coach Gould understands the importance of a well-rounded training and conditioning program for his team's success. However, he also recognizes the challenges that come with being a senior in the spring season. To help his athletes manage their busy schedules, he lays out the expectations at the beginning of the season, so they understand the sacrifices they may need to make to be at their best.
One of the team's strengths is their newfound competitive streak in the indoor season. Coach Gould gives credit to the team's indoor coaches for keeping the athletes rested and excited, which has resulted in improved performances. Additionally, the team has a strong group of returning players who have experience and talent. However, the team's weakness is their small numbers, which can make it difficult to compete against larger teams. To address this, Coach Gould and his team are working hard to recruit more athletes and build a more robust team.
Coach Gould's coaching philosophy is to always strive for improvement and to never stop working hard. He believes that with time and effort, every athlete can reach their full potential and contribute to the team's success. He also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and unity, as he believes that a strong team is built on the foundation of trust and support for one another.
In conclusion, the Amherst Regional High School track and field team has a lot of potential for the upcoming season. With a strong group of returning players and talented new additions, they hope to make an impact at the regional and statewide levels. Under the guidance of Coach Gould, the team continues to work hard and strive for improvement, both individually and as a team. We wish them all the best for a successful and rewarding season ahead.
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