Coach Scott Brown has been at the helm of the North Lake High School track team for many years and has seen his fair share of talented athletes come and go. However, this year's team has a special group of returning players and new talent that has Coach Brown excited for the upcoming season.
The top returning players from last season are Hannah and Acacia Roth, Logen Grassman, and Luke Roth. Hannah is the top 1A High Jumper and a 3-time state placer in High Jump, Triple Jump, and 4x4. Acacia, Hannah's sister, was a state placer last year as a freshman in hurdles and 4x4. Logen Grassman was the top Oregon 1A Pole Vaulter last year and Luke Roth was the 5th best Oregon 1A Pole Vaulter. These returning players bring a lot of experience and success to the team, making them a strong foundation for the upcoming season.
But it's not just about returning players, as Coach Brown also has high hopes for the new players on the team. Hannah and Acacia's brother, Luke Roth, is expected to make an immediate impact on the team with his pole vaulting skills. Additionally, Logen Grassman, who was the top Oregon 1A Pole Vaulter last year, is also expected to bring in some major points for the team.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Brown looks for qualities of servant leadership. He wants players who are willing to sacrifice for the good of the entire team, both on and off the field. This season, the captains and those competing for the role have yet to be announced, but Coach Brown has high expectations for those who will take on this leadership role.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial for a successful team, and Coach Brown has a unique approach to fostering this among his athletes. Every Wednesday, he has his players write encouraging notes to each other, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere within the team. This positive mindset then carries over into other days of the week, helping the team push themselves to their full potential.
One of the biggest challenges for the team this season is time. With limited practice time due to snow and other factors, Coach Brown and his team are working hard to stay organized and prepared for the upcoming meets. However, despite these challenges, the team's motto of "Always Compete" remains at the forefront. The team is constantly pushing each other to improve and compete, whether it's against other teams, themselves, or the clock.
The team's schedule for this season is still being finalized, but Coach Brown expects tough competition from larger schools and is looking forward to seeing how his team performs against them. In track and field, it's not just about winning meets, but also about individual improvement and competing against personal bests.
When it comes to coaching style, Coach Brown's philosophy remains consistent year after year. He focuses on individual improvement and competing against oneself, rather than just beating other teams. He also emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and repetition, as it can often make the difference between winning and losing.
As for the team's strengths and weaknesses, Coach Brown acknowledges that being a small school with a limited number of athletes can be a challenge. However, the team's strengths lie in their strong jumps and athletic events, and they have also worked hard to improve the throwing and sprinting events. Coach Brown's goal for the team is to have at least one athlete place in every event, which would greatly contribute to their overall success.
In order to continue building on their strengths and improving their weaknesses, the team has been working hard in the weight room and on the track during the winter season. With a strong foundation of returning players and new talent, Coach Brown is optimistic about their chances this season.
In conclusion, the North Lake High School track team is gearing up for a successful season, thanks to the hard work and dedication of both their returning players and new talent. With a strong coaching philosophy and emphasis on individual improvement and team camaraderie, this team is poised to compete and make an impact in their district and beyond. As Coach Brown says, "If we compete every day and strive to improve, success will naturally follow."
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