As the new school year begins, excitement is buzzing around the halls of Lincoln High School. The students are eager to start the year off strong, and for the athletes on the school's track and field team, that means training hard and preparing for another successful season. To get a better understanding of what to expect from the team this year, we sat down with Coach Eric Dettman for a preview article.
When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Dettman emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication. He believes that the team's success in the past few years has been a result of the athletes showing up, giving their best effort, and focusing on what they can control. However, he did mention four athletes in particular who will be key players this season – Ladd Steele, Greyson Murff, Drew Dunahugh, and Brady Holland. These four athletes are all returning as the number one athlete in their respective events and have shown a strong work ethic and commitment to the team.
But it's not just about individual talent on the team. Coach Dettman also highlighted the importance of team chemistry and camaraderie. He believes that having a cohesive team is crucial for success and plans on implementing this through team dinners, fun team functions at practice, and emphasizing the mantra of "Love your Teammates."
He also looks for qualities like vocal leadership and a willingness to hold each other accountable when selecting team captains. However, he also believes in allowing the captaincy to happen organically and not forcing it upon any specific players.
Motivation is a key aspect of any sport, and Coach Dettman knows this. He plans on using team bonding activities and creating a positive team culture to keep his athletes motivated and pushing themselves to their full potential. His coaching philosophy revolves around the idea of earning the opportunity to compete, and he wants his team to take advantage of every moment, whether it's in practice or during a meet.
One of the biggest challenges for the team this season has been the coaching turnover. With coaches moving out of state, it was a struggle to find new coaches. However, Coach Dettman is excited about the new staff and believes they will bring a fresh perspective and energy to the team. As for the team's schedule, they have a few core invites that they focus on, but it remains similar to previous years. The team is looking forward to testing themselves during the regular season in preparation for the postseason.
When it comes to the mental aspect of the game, Coach Dettman believes it is ever-changing. Each year brings a different dynamic with new athletes, and he understands the importance of meeting the team where they are and providing them with the necessary coaching to be successful. He also stresses the importance of mental preparation, as he believes that being mentally ready can help overcome any physical challenges.
One of the changes made to the team's training and conditioning program is the emphasis on mental preparation. Coach Dettman believes that the things the team is unsure about are usually the areas where they struggle the most, so he wants his athletes to be mentally prepared for any challenge that comes their way. As for the team's strengths and weaknesses, Coach Dettman believes their numbers and competitive spirit are their strengths. With over 250 athletes on the team, they have a large pool of talent to choose from.
However, he also acknowledges the challenge of providing individualized coaching to such a large team and is working hard to ensure that every athlete receives the attention they need to improve.
In closing, Coach Dettman's coaching philosophy is centered around love and hard work. He believes in creating a positive team culture where athletes can push themselves to their full potential and support each other along the way. As the team gears up for another season, they are focused on building on their strengths and improving their weaknesses, all while having fun and building lasting relationships with their teammates. With a strong coaching staff and dedicated athletes, the Lincoln High School track and field team is sure to have another successful season.
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