As the track season approaches, the Hemphill High School team is ready to take on new challenges and defend their district title. We had the opportunity to speak with Coach Michael Harris about his team's strengths, weaknesses, and goals for the upcoming season.
Coach Harris is optimistic about the team's chances this year, with a number of top returning players from last season. He believes that these players will play a crucial role in bringing home another district title and advancing as many athletes as possible to the state meet.
One of the standout returning players is Elijah McFarland, who will be competing in the 100m and 200m races. Coach Harris describes McFarland as a talented athlete with great speed and determination, making him a key player for the team this season.
In addition to the returning players, Coach Harris is excited about the potential impact of new team members. Freshman Zae White is expected to make a significant contribution in the high jump and hurdles events. Coach Harris believes that White's athleticism and dedication will greatly benefit the team.
When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Harris looks for players who possess leadership qualities both on and off the track. This year, the captains are all seniors who have been with Coach Harris since the beginning of his time at Hemphill. They understand his expectations and are able to motivate and guide their teammates on and off the field.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial for a successful season, and Coach Harris plans on fostering it by leading from the front. He and his staff are always punctual and ready to work, and their energy and enthusiasm is contagious for the athletes.
Motivation is also key in pushing the team to their full potential. Coach Harris's motto of "One team, one goal" serves as a constant reminder to the athletes that they are all working towards the same goal and must support each other along the way.
As with any team, there are challenges to overcome in preparation for the season. For Hemphill High School, one of the biggest challenges is coordinating practices with other sports teams due to the small size of the school. However, Coach Harris believes that leading by example and maintaining a positive attitude can help overcome these obstacles.
The team's schedule for the season is filled with tough opponents, but Coach Harris and his team are looking forward to the competition. He mentions that the drop in classification from 3A to 2A this year will bring new challenges, as many of the track teams in 2A are known for their strong performances. However, this also presents an opportunity for Hemphill High School to prove themselves against local rivals.
When it comes to his coaching style, Coach Harris believes in consistency and expects his athletes to know and understand his expectations. He also makes sure to constantly update and improve the training and conditioning program for the team. This year, the coaching staff has implemented new training styles and techniques learned from other coaches to help the team reach its full potential.
The team's strengths lie in their speed, according to Coach Harris. However, their weakness is in the distance races due to a lack of athletes. To address this weakness, Coach Harris and his staff are always on the lookout for potential athletes who may be interested in trying out for these races.
Overall, Coach Harris's coaching philosophy revolves around hard work, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude. He believes that these values are reflected in the team's gameplay and will ultimately lead them to success. With a strong team and a supportive coaching staff, Hemphill High School is ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming track season and bring home another district title.
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