As the track and field season approaches, all eyes are on the Lubbock High School team. With high expectations set by Coach Carl Semler, the team is focused on achieving their goals and making a name for themselves in the district and state championships. In this article, we dive into the team's top returning players, new impact players, team chemistry, and the challenges and improvements made in preparation for this season.
The Lubbock High School team is fortunate to have a talented group of returning players from last season. These athletes have proven themselves both on and off the track, making them valuable assets to the team. Will Brackeen, Tyler Fodge, Soren Washington, and Joshua Olaniran are all expected to make an impact this season.
Will Brackeen, a senior, is a top performer in the pole vault and high jump events. His dedication and hard work have made him a leader on the team, and he is a strong candidate for team captain. Tyler Fodge, also a senior, is another key player in the pole vault event. His experience and determination make him a valuable asset to the team.
Soren Washington, a junior, is a versatile athlete who competes in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events. His speed and agility make him a strong contender, and he is expected to lead the team in these events. Joshua Olaniran, a senior, is a high jumper and also competes in the 200m event. His athleticism and determination have earned him a spot as a team captain.
The Lubbock High School team is also welcoming some new faces this season. These players have already shown great potential and are expected to make an immediate impact on the team. Isaac Montoya, Jermey Morrison, Arturo Rodriguez, and Easton Blakely are all newcomers who have caught the attention of Coach Semler.
Isaac Montoya, a wheelchair athlete, placed 3rd at the State Championships last season in the 100m and 400m events. His dedication and continuous improvement make him a formidable opponent this season. Jermey Morrison, a pole vaulter, high jumper, and 300m hurdler, is a junior who has been working hard to improve his skills. His positive attitude and work ethic make him a potential threat to make it to the state championships in all three events.
Arturo Rodriguez, a sophomore, is a long-distance runner who has already established himself as one of the hardest workers on the team. His determination and endurance make him a valuable addition to the team. Easton Blakely, a junior, competes in the long jump and triple jump events. He has been dedicated to improving his jumps since November and is one of the last athletes to leave the track every day.
Coach Semler emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and camaraderie in the success of the team. He looks for leaders who lead by both word and deed and have a "no excuses" mentality. Currently, there are several players battling for the role of team captain, which shows the strong leadership qualities within the team.
Coach Semler also motivates his players through love. He believes that when you motivate through love, players will push themselves beyond what they think they are capable of. This approach has been successful in creating a strong bond between the players and has helped them overcome any challenges they may face.
The Lubbock High School team has faced some challenges in preparing for this season. The unpredictable weather in West Texas has forced the team to move their practices indoors on occasion. Additionally, with 125 boys and 50 girls sharing the same facilities, space can become limited. However, these challenges have not stopped the team from giving their all in every practice.
Coach Semler has implemented changes and improvements to the team's training and conditioning program. The team uses HUDL to video their workouts and correct any technique issues. They also follow a more NCAA approach to event training, which has helped them reach the next level of competition.
Coach Semler's coaching style has not changed from previous seasons. He remains a grumpy old coach who is hard to please, but his players know that he loves them and wants them to be happy with their results. This motivates the players to push themselves and strive for excellence.
His coaching philosophy is centered around the importance of the mental aspect of the game. He believes that confidence is the team's greatest weakness, and he aims to build it through a character curriculum. This curriculum focuses on the love of competition, self, teammates, and the community, which has helped the team overcome their confidence issues.
The team's biggest strength is their work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to win. This attitude has created a competitive and driven team. However, their greatest weakness is confidence, which Coach Semler is addressing through the character curriculum.
The Lubbock High School team has a tough schedule ahead of them, with some of the best athletes in the state competing in their district. However, they are looking forward to the San Angelo Relays, which will provide them with elite competition. With their strong work ethic, determination, and love for the sport, the team is well on its way to achieving their goals of winning the district championship and sending multiple athletes to the state championships in May.
In conclusion, the Lubbock High School track team has a promising season ahead. With a mix of experienced and new talent, strong team chemistry, and a dedicated coach, they are set to make a name for themselves in the district and state competitions. With their love for the sport and determination to push themselves to their full potential, the team is sure to make their mark on the track this season.
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