As Coach Anamacio Cardenas Jr prepares for another season with the Bloomington High School track and field team, he is focused on building a strong team with a positive attitude and a love for the sport. With top returning players and promising new additions, Coach Cardenas is determined to lead the team to success and create a positive and supportive environment for his athletes.
One of the top returning players from last season is Catherine Stangl, who has shown tremendous heart and humility. Her hard work and growth mindset make her a coachable player. Aaron Perez, Geneve Ashton, and Victoria Loyo are also key returning players who possess these same qualities and have the potential to make a significant impact on the team.
However, Coach Cardenas is also excited about the potential of some new players, including Valerie Casas and Makayla Martinez. These newcomers bring bubbly and positive energy to the team, which is crucial in creating strong team chemistry and camaraderie.
When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Cardenas looks for athletes who can hold their teammates accountable while also showing empathy for struggling teammates. He believes that empathy is crucial in creating a supportive and positive team culture. Currently, the team is still in the process of selecting captains, but Casas and Martinez are potential candidates due to their positive attitudes and leadership qualities.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are vital for a successful team, and Coach Cardenas is determined to foster these qualities among his athletes. He plans on implementing team-building exercises and activities, such as the name game, to strengthen the bond among team members.
In terms of motivation, Coach Cardenas uses a unique approach, the name game, to inspire his players. This game involves trying to name everyone on the team, and it is repeated until someone can name every one. This exercise not only encourages team bonding but also pushes the players to remember and support each other.
As with many teams, the biggest challenge for the Bloomington High School track and field team has been the impact of the pandemic. The shrinking school enrollment numbers, competing with new sports in the same season, and lack of parent engagement have all posed challenges. However, Coach Cardenas remains optimistic and uses imagery to inspire his athletes to rise above these challenges and achieve success.
The team's schedule for this season includes a dual meet against the tough Citrus Valley High School team. Coach Cardenas sees this as an opportunity to push his team and prepare them for the tough competition ahead. He is also looking forward to the second annual "Last Chance Meet," where community members of all ages can participate in various events from 400m to 5k. This event aims to introduce the youth to track and field and encourage the Master's athletes to return to the sport.
Coach Cardenas' coaching style has shifted from focusing on winning to emphasizing the process and falling in love with the sport. He believes that this mindset will help his athletes reach their full potential and create a positive environment for growth and development. He also stresses the importance of mental strength and uses self-talk, goal-setting, and concentration to help his players stay focused and motivated.
When it comes to training and conditioning, Coach Cardenas has made some changes and improvements to the program. He now focuses on self-talk, goal-setting, and concentration, as he believes that the way we talk to ourselves can greatly impact our performance. He also emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself and staying focused on the goals at hand.
The team's main strength lies in the excitement and passion of its members. However, the main weakness is the low number of athletes on the team. To address this, Coach Cardenas has reduced team practices to just two hours, four days a week. This allows for a more focused and purposeful training session, reducing the risk of injuries and increasing team morale.
In conclusion, Coach Anamacio Cardenas Jr is determined to lead the Bloomington High School track and field team to success this season. With a focus on building a positive and supportive team culture, developing mental toughness, and a love for the sport, he is confident that his athletes will reach their full potential and achieve their goals. He also hopes to increase team numbers and get the community involved in track and field through events such as the "Last Chance Meet." The future is bright for the Bloomington High School track and field team under the guidance of Coach Cardenas.
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