As the new track and field season approaches, the team at Chaparral High School is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and competitive year. With a strong group of returning players and some promising new additions, the team has their sights set on winning the state meet. We had the opportunity to speak with Coach Ryan Garcia to get a preview of what to expect from the team this season.
The team has a number of standout athletes returning from last season, including Keelan Wright and Kate Suemnick. Wright, a senior, is the fastest sprinter in the state and will be a key player in the team's success this season. Suemnick, also a senior, is a top-five pole vaulter in California and will be a force to be reckoned with in her event.
Coach Garcia is confident that the team has some new players who will make an immediate impact this season. For the girls, he highlighted Keelan Wright, who is one of the fastest sprinters in the state, and Kate Suemnick, who is a top pole vaulter. On the boys' side, JJ Cravin, Tycen Johnson, Andrew Navarro, Caleb Garcia, and Isaiah Velasco are all expected to make significant contributions to the team.
When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Garcia looks for athletes who are not only talented but also possess leadership qualities. For the girls, Halle Reyes, Abrielle Alejandre, Kitana Mabalot, and Amoni Walker are all in the running for captain positions. On the boys' side, Evan Redd, Prince Anderson, Josiah Garcia, Isaiah Trujillo, and Cameron Payne are all potential team captains.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are important aspects of any successful team. Coach Garcia believes that the best way to build this is through hard work and dedication. He looks for athletes who are passionate about their teammates' success and are willing to work together to achieve their goals.
As a coach, one of the biggest challenges is motivating players to push themselves to their full potential. Coach Garcia believes in creating a competitive atmosphere in practice and competing in tough meets throughout the season. He also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and pushing each other to improve.
The team has been facing some challenges in preparing for the season, such as staying healthy and having enough time to master their events. However, Coach Garcia believes that these challenges are necessary for growth and that the team will come out stronger because of them.
The team's schedule for the season is filled with tough opponents and exciting meets. The Southwestern League is known for its top-level competition, and the team will also be competing in some of the toughest meets in California, as well as traveling to Chandler, Arizona for a highly competitive meet.
While the team's staff is experienced and has a strong system in place, Coach Garcia is excited about the new sports facility that will be completed soon. He believes that this will take the team to the next level and allow them to reach their full potential.
Coach Garcia believes that the team's biggest strength is its athletic talent, which he believes is as good as any other school in the section. However, he also recognizes that there is room for improvement, particularly in the mental aspect of the game. He plans on building on the team's strengths and working on improving their weaknesses throughout the season.
Coach Garcia's coaching philosophy is centered around developing athletes not just physically, but mentally as well. He believes that in order to compete at a high level, athletes must have the mental fortitude to push through challenges and believe in themselves and their abilities. He also emphasizes the importance of using track and field as a tool to open doors for other passions and opportunities for the athletes.
The team at Chaparral High School is definitely one to watch this season. With a strong group of returning players, some promising new additions, and a dedicated coaching staff, they have what it takes to achieve their goal of winning the state meet. We can't wait to see them in action and witness their hard work and determination pay off on the track.
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