Coach Traci McMullen has a lot to look forward to this season with the San Ramon Valley High School track and field team. With a successful season behind them, the girls' team is determined to build on their momentum and continue to improve. On the other hand, the boys' team is in a rebuilding phase, but with excellent leadership and senior talent in the jumps and 400, they are ready to make their mark.
The team has a strong core of returning players who will play a crucial role in the success of both the girls' and boys' teams. For the girls, players like Hope Diekmann, Kyra Hansen, and Sophia Gonzalez bring a level of talent and determination that will push the team to new heights. These girls are beasts in their respective events and have amazing leadership skills that inspire and motivate their teammates to work harder and achieve their goals.
On the boys' team, Chase McMullen, who returns after an injury last season, is in phenomenal shape and training for the decathlon. Kaleb Pleis and Tyson Baugh also bring a wealth of talent and experience in the jumps and sprints, respectively. Nik Brown is a multi-athlete extraordinaire and will be competing in at least six different events this season. With such a strong core of players, the boys' team is looking to capitalize on their talent and build up the speed and confidence of their younger athletes.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach McMullen looks for individuals who genuinely care about track and field, follow team guidelines, and help their teammates succeed. For the girls' team, the captains have yet to be named, while Owen Power and Grayston Sparks will bring power and explosiveness in the sprints and jumps for the boys' team.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential elements for a successful season. Coach McMullen plans on implementing this by having the team captains lead small groups for attendance and team bonding experiences. With a smaller team this year, the coaches will have better control over team dinners and activities. The team will also have practice competitions to encourage teamwork and help the athletes work towards a common goal.
Motivation is key in pushing players to reach their full potential. Coach McMullen believes in changing up the warm-up groups daily, so the players get to know each other and don't stick to the same individuals every day. The team also sets goals and gives feedback to help the players improve and reach their full potential.
As with any season, there will be challenges. For the San Ramon Valley High School track and field team, one of the biggest challenges is managing the fluctuating numbers and getting enough time on the track. With other sports using the facilities, practice times are often cut short, but Coach McMullen believes in focusing on what they can control and making the best of the situation.
This season, there are some tough opponents on the schedule, including cross-town rivals Monte Vista Mustangs, who are always a strong team. However, the team is looking forward to competing in invitationals like the Dublin Distance Fiesta and their home sprint and field festival, the Swenson/Werne Invitational. These competitions will provide a variety of teams and a chance for the athletes to showcase their talents.
Coach McMullen's coaching style may differ slightly from previous seasons. The team has been attending the same invitationals for years, and this year, they will be embracing the competition from their cross-town rivals. The sprint coach, Phil McMullen, has also altered his training philosophy, and the hurdle coach will focus on helping the athletes get quicker in their events.
The mental aspect of track and field is crucial, and the team has been working on improving this aspect. Coach McMullen believes in positive reinforcement and having a positive mindset when training and competing. Athletes need to be ready to put aside any personal issues and focus on their training and goals.
The team's training and conditioning program has also seen some changes and improvements. Athletes who committed to training during the off-season are already seeing significant gains, and the team's weights coach has implemented a rigorous training program that will help the athletes perform at their best.
The team's strengths lie in their ability to build on success. San Ramon Valley High School has a strong tradition of maintaining excellent sports teams, and the athletes come in with the knowledge of how to compete and win. The team also has a knowledgeable and experienced staff, with professional athletes, All-Americans, and record holders working with the athletes every day. However, a weakness lies in the team's turnover, with many athletes leaving after their freshman or sophomore year to focus on other sports. This means that the team must start over with new talent every year.
In conclusion, the San Ramon Valley High School track and field team is poised for another successful season. With a strong core of returning players, new talent making an immediate impact, and a dedicated and knowledgeable coaching staff, the team is ready to take on any challenges that come their way. With a focus on team chemistry, motivation, and improvement, the team is determined to make this season a great one.
Share With