Coach Edward Clark has been coaching track and field for over 20 years and is currently in his third season as head coach at Archbishop Wood High School. With a strong focus on individual and team goals, Coach Clark has seen success with his athletes in both cross-country and track and field.
The top returning players from last season for Archbishop Wood High School include Junior Jacob Bargerhuff, who is expected to be one of the top mid-distance runners this season. Other notable returners include Junior Brendan Welsh, Sophomore Neil Phillips, Sophomore Andre Calloway, and freshman Quinlan Adams. These athletes will be crucial to the team's success, especially with the loss of many seniors from last year's team.
In terms of new players making an immediate impact, Coach Clark has high hopes for Brendan Welsh, who had a successful indoor track season and is new to the program. He is expected to be a major contributor to the team's success this season.
When it comes to team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Clark believes in building upon relationships that have already been established between athletes, especially in the field events and sprinting groups. However, with many athletes involved in other sports, it can be a challenge to develop the same chemistry in these groups. But with a strong focus on team goals and support for each other, the team's chemistry and camaraderie are already developing.
As for motivation, Coach Clark believes that it is the athlete's responsibility to bring their own motivation and desire to improve to the table. As a coach, his role is to provide direction and help each athlete achieve their goals. With a strong emphasis on rest and recovery, the team's training and conditioning program involves improving each runner's stride mechanics.
One of the biggest challenges for the team this season is not having a track to practice on, forcing them to use the school parking lot and driveway. This, along with weather and securing tracks for league meets, has been a recurring challenge for the team. However, Coach Clark and his team have been able to overcome these challenges and continue to strive for success.
When it comes to the team's schedule, it is similar to previous years with a few new meets added in to compete against different local teams. The team is also looking forward to facing tough opponents at the Penn Relays and their league and district championship meets, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Pennsylvania State Championship Meet.
As for Coach Clark's coaching style, it remains consistent with previous years. He believes in establishing achievable goals for each athlete and helping them reach those goals. With a focus on individual improvement, the team's strengths lie in their camaraderie and support for each other, while their weakness is the smaller size of the team. However, Coach Clark hopes to attract more students to the team to help strengthen their numbers.
In conclusion, Coach Edward Clark brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Archbishop Wood High School track and field team. With a strong emphasis on individual and team goals, rest and recovery, and team chemistry, he has been able to guide his athletes to success. With a mix of returning players and new impact players, the team looks to continue its tradition of success in the upcoming season.
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