As the head coach of the Social Circle High School track and field team, Coach Timothy Kemp has high hopes for his team this season. With a strong group of returning players and promising new additions, the team is determined to improve upon their performance from last season.
One of the top returning players from last season is senior Jada Hyman. As a 3-time GHSA State Champion in the 400 meters and State Runner-up in the 200 meters, Hyman is a key member of the team and a strong competitor. She was also part of the State Runner-up 4 x 200-meter relay team. Joining her are sophomore teammates Brielle Price and Sophia Fontenot, who are also expected to contribute greatly to the team's success.
On the boys' side, junior Corneilius "CJ" Scott is returning after an injury-riddled sophomore season. Despite this, he still managed to place 5th in the 400 meters at the GHSA State Championship meet during his freshman year. Scott will be joined by seniors Jaylen Victor and Davion Jackson, as well as sophomores AJ Bailey and Devin Usand, forming a strong sprint team. Together, they placed 3rd in the 4 x 200 Relay and 4th in the 4 x 100 Relay at last season's GHSA D-1A State Championships.
When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Kemp looks for athletes who lead by example both on and off the track. The team's theme, "STUDENT FIRST/ ATHLETE SECOND," emphasizes the importance of academics and good character. Athletes who consistently demonstrate these qualities are considered for captaincy. Freshmen Kayla Benton, Ayvah Beckles, and Taylor Key are also expected to bring depth and talent to the sprint relay squad.
Creating team chemistry and camaraderie is a crucial aspect of Coach Kemp's coaching philosophy. He believes that team chemistry is built through holding athletes accountable and practicing the theme of "STUDENT FIRST/ ATHLETE SECOND." In addition, the team has a designated athlete who is responsible for breaking down the practice at the end of each day. This creates a sense of ownership and accountability among the team members.
Coach Kemp also stresses the importance of motivation in pushing his players to reach their full potential. He believes that holding athletes accountable and instilling a strong work ethic are key factors in motivating them. By emphasizing the theme of "STUDENT FIRST/ ATHLETE SECOND," Coach Kemp ensures that his athletes prioritize their academics and character development, which in turn motivates them to excel on the track.
Preparing for this season has not been without its challenges for Coach Kemp and his team. Individual and team meetings, as well as meetings with parents, have been crucial in addressing any potential issues and setting expectations for the season. This year, the team has also added an overnight meet out of town, which has required additional planning and coordination.
The team's schedule for the season is filled with tough opponents and meets against larger schools. However, Coach Kemp sees this as an opportunity for his team to challenge themselves and improve. He is particularly looking forward to the "In But Out" meet, where the team will compete in indoor events outdoors at their home track.
One of the biggest changes for Coach Kemp this season is having a larger coaching staff. With more coaches on board, he is able to focus on observing and making corrections as needed, rather than trying to do everything alone. He is also fortunate to have his son, a world-class sprinter with a wealth of experience, as part of the coaching staff.
In terms of training and conditioning, Coach Kemp emphasizes the importance of the mental aspect of the game. He believes that track and field requires just as much mental preparation as it does physical training. The team's training program focuses on building mental toughness and developing a strong work ethic.
As the season progresses, Coach Kemp is confident that his team will continue to improve and achieve their goals. With a strong mix of experienced and new players, a focus on student-athletes, and a dedicated coaching staff, the Social Circle High School track and field team is poised for a successful season.
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