As the spring season approaches, the Las Plumas High School track and field team is gearing up for another successful year. The team is led by Coach Justin Younger, who is entering his fifth year as head coach and has high expectations for this year's squad. We sat down with Coach Younger to get a preview of what to expect from the Las Plumas track and field team this season.
When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Younger immediately highlighted two standouts - senior Jayden Newkirk and junior Leila Younger. Newkirk, the team's fastest sprinter, ran an impressive 10.62 in the 100m over the summer and has his sights set on making it to the CIF state meet this year. Leila Younger, the top girls' thrower, recently PR'd at 34'2" in the shot put and is also aiming for a spot at the state meets. Coach Younger praised both athletes for their hard work and dedication, and believes their experience and talent will be crucial to the team's success this season.
In addition to the returning players, Coach Younger is excited about the potential impact of two new athletes on the team. Freshman Hadleigh McKillop is expected to make a big impact as one of the team's best sprinters, while senior Bryson Ruff is looking to be one of the top throwers on the boys' team. Coach Younger is confident that both athletes will bring a fresh energy and competitive spirit to the team.
As for team captains, Coach Younger looks for three key qualities in potential leaders - maturity, work ethic, and personality. He mentioned that senior Bryson Ruff and freshman Hadleigh McKillop are both candidates for the role, and their leadership abilities will play a crucial role in the team's chemistry and success.
When it comes to building team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Younger emphasizes the importance of a positive and fun atmosphere during practices. He believes that track practice should be the best part of an athlete's day, and strives to make each session competitive and exciting. Additionally, the team will be attending several big invitationals throughout the season, which will not only provide valuable competition but also help further develop team chemistry.
As for motivating his players to reach their full potential, Coach Younger focuses on making practices enjoyable and competitive. He also sets goals for each athlete and encourages them to push themselves to be the best they can be. He believes that a positive and supportive environment is key to motivating athletes to reach their full potential.
Preparing for the season has not come without its challenges for the Las Plumas track and field team. Coach Younger mentioned that the team has a large roster, and finding adequate transportation for away meets has been a struggle. However, he remains optimistic and is determined to find solutions to overcome these challenges.
The team's schedule this season is filled with several highly competitive invitationals, as well as the prestigious Stanford Invitational and Sacramento Meet of Champions. Coach Younger believes that these events will provide his athletes with the opportunity to compete against some of the top athletes in the state and help them reach their goals.
Coach Younger's coaching style has remained consistent over the years - he emphasizes the importance of building strength in numbers and recruiting the best possible athletes from other sports to join the track and field team. His philosophy is to make every practice fun, exciting, and challenging, without overworking his athletes. He believes that this approach has helped the team achieve success in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
The mental aspect of the game is not overlooked by Coach Younger and his coaching staff. They understand the importance of having a positive mindset and work on developing mental toughness in their athletes. The team is encouraged to support and uplift each other, creating a strong sense of team spirit and camaraderie.
In conclusion, the Las Plumas High School track and field team has high expectations for the upcoming season. With a talented group of returning players, promising new additions, and a dedicated coaching staff, the team is determined to defend their title as section champions and win a league title for the girls' team. Coach Younger's coaching philosophy, along with the team's focus on teamwork and positivity, will surely be key factors in their success. As the season unfolds, fans and supporters can look forward to an exciting and competitive season from the Las Plumas High School track and field team.
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