As Coach Aaron Alatorre enters his fifth year at the helm of the Pittsburg High School track and field team, he is optimistic about the upcoming season. With a successful season behind them, Coach Alatorre and his team are determined to build on their past accomplishments and set even higher goals for the 2019 season.
One of the key factors in the team's success last year was the presence of top returning players. On the girls' side, the team boasted a CIF NCS Tri-Valley and MOC title, with several athletes making it to the State meet. Senior pole vaulter and state champion, Tim Edwards, is back to defend his title and also compete in the 400m and 200m events.
Another standout athlete to watch is senior Khaliq Muhammad, who took second place in the pole vault at the State meet last year and is aiming to clear 17 feet this season. Jamar Searcy, a Wake Forest football commit, is also a key player for the team, competing in the 100m and anchoring the 4x100 relay. Junior Amirat Temi Aganju is a versatile athlete, competing in hurdles, sprints, and relays. Junior Billie Jenkins will also be a strong contender in the 100m and relays after making it to the State meet last year.
In terms of new players making an immediate impact, Coach Alatorre is excited about the potential of several athletes. Freshman Greg Burks is expected to make a strong case for a spot on the varsity 4x100 team, while fellow freshman Wade Swain brings versatility to the team, with the ability to compete in events ranging from the 400m to the 1600m. Senior transfer Jaclyn Luna from Carondelet High School is also expected to make an impact in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. Freshman Zoe Lawson, who clocked an impressive 60 seconds in the 8th grade, will also be vying for a spot on the varsity 4x400 team.
When it comes to picking team captains, Coach Alatorre looks for qualities such as leadership, motivation, and dedication. He believes that the team captains play a crucial role in setting the tone for practices and meets, and he has high expectations for his potential captains – the aforementioned athletes mentioned above.
Building team chemistry and camaraderie is also a priority for Coach Alatorre. He believes that a strong team bond is essential for success on the track. The team warms up together, and athletes are encouraged to cheer on their teammates even when they are not competing in their own events. This fosters a sense of unity and support within the team.
Motivating his players to push themselves to their full potential is another challenge that Coach Alatorre takes seriously. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and improvement, not just for the most talented athletes, but for the entire team. By pushing his athletes to better themselves, the team has broken numerous school records and achieved success on the track.
As for the team's schedule, Coach Alatorre has strategically chosen a mix of tough competitions and local meets. The team will kick off the season at the Super 7 Invitational at De La Salle High School, followed by the Sac St Classic and the Eddie Hart Invitational, which is one of the biggest meets in Northern California. The team will also compete at the Coach Caccavo Memorial Relay and the West Coast Relays before heading to the prestigious Arcadia Invitational, the largest high school meet in the country. The season will conclude with the Viking Invitational in May and post-season meets.
When it comes to his coaching style, Coach Alatorre's philosophy remains the same – to push every athlete to better themselves. He believes that everyone has the potential to improve and he encourages his athletes to visualize their success. By instilling a positive and determined mindset, he has seen his team achieve great results. He also emphasizes the importance of strength and conditioning, which has contributed to the team's success in the sprints, hurdles, jumps, and throws.
Reflecting on the team's strengths and weaknesses, Coach Alatorre acknowledges that they have a strong sprint, hurdles, jumps, and throws program, but they are still working on developing their distance program. He believes that by analyzing what has worked in the past and making necessary adjustments, the team can continue to build and improve their program.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Coach Alatorre and his staff are focused on creating a culture of success and pushing their athletes to be the best they can be. With a combination of talent, hard work, and determination, the Pittsburg High School track and field team is poised for another successful season.
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