As the new season approaches, the Wawasee High School track and field team is gearing up for another successful year. With a strong core of returning players and a group of talented newcomers, Coach Chase Pinion is excited to see what this team can achieve. In an exclusive interview, Coach Pinion shares his thoughts on the team's strengths, challenges, and goals for the upcoming season.
One of the biggest strengths of the team this year is their top returning players from last season. Coach Pinion highlights Bradyn Pike, Hunter Allen, Isaac Winters, Kassidy Carter, Ethan Rodriguez, and Quentin Taylor as consistent scorers from last season. These athletes have proven themselves on the track and field, making them key players for the team. What makes them special, according to Coach Pinion, is their true mental toughness, their love for the process rather than just the results, and their positive attitudes in all situations. These qualities are essential in the world of sports and set these players apart from others.
While the team may have lost a significant number of seniors last year, Coach Pinion is excited about the potential of the new players who will make an immediate impact on the team. With a mix of JV runners from last year and new faces, Coach Pinion is eager to see who will step up and fill the missing pieces. He emphasizes that these new players have put in a lot of work during the off-season, and he is confident that they will rise to the challenge and make a positive impact on the team.
When it comes to team captains, Coach Pinion looks for certain qualities in potential leaders. He believes that a captain should be an athlete who truly understands the team's goals and invests in building strong relationships with their teammates. They should lead by example, encourage and help their teammates, and have a strong work ethic. This year, the team has a strong group of potential captains who fit these criteria, and Coach Pinion is excited to see how they will lead the team.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial for any successful team, and Coach Pinion has a plan in place to foster these qualities within the Wawasee High School track and field team. He believes that team bonding activities, such as celebrating each other's personal records, having fun and games on Fridays, and team dinners, are essential in creating a positive and supportive team environment. Coach Pinion also emphasizes the importance of having a clear focus on what they want the team to feel like and constantly working towards that goal.
Motivation is key in pushing athletes to reach their full potential, and Coach Pinion has a passion for this aspect of coaching. He mentions that the team celebrates every personal record, and this helps to motivate them to continue improving. Additionally, they have Funday Fridays and team dinners, which not only bring the team closer together but also serve as a way to keep the athletes motivated and excited about the sport. Coach Pinion believes that passion is contagious, and by showing his passion for developing the team, he hopes to inspire his players to have the same desire to improve.
The biggest challenge in preparing for this season has been the weather. With a legitimate winter this year, the team has had to practice indoors, which can be limiting. However, Coach Pinion and his team have adapted to these conditions and have found ways to make the most of it. They have been utilizing gymnasiums, weight rooms, and hallways to continue their training and preparation for the upcoming season.
When it comes to the team's schedule, Coach Pinion acknowledges that they compete in a tough conference, the NLC. As there are no easy meets in this conference, it keeps the team working hard to improve and compete at their best. However, this also means that the athletes may face physical wear and tear throughout the season, which is something Coach Pinion and his team are mindful of.
As for Coach Pinion's coaching style, he believes that it hasn't changed much from previous seasons. He has his main philosophies and values that he sticks to, but he also evaluates what works and what doesn't each year and makes necessary tweaks to their training. He believes that having a deep understanding of the sport and using that to design effective drills and workouts is crucial in helping athletes achieve their goals.
Coach Pinion also places a strong emphasis on the mental aspect of the game. He understands that track and field can be a mentally challenging sport, and he spends a significant amount of time teaching his athletes how to overcome these challenges. Having the mental edge in a race, throw, or jump can make a huge difference, and Coach Pinion believes that this is an area that can be developed and improved upon.
When it comes to the team's strengths and weaknesses, Coach Pinion believes that their races are their biggest strength. The team has been developing depth in all track events, and he is confident that they will perform well in these areas. However, he also acknowledges that they have some work to do in the field events and is hopeful that some of the younger members of the team will step up and make a difference this season.
In conclusion, Coach Pinion's coaching philosophy is centered around having true mental toughness, falling in love with the process, and maintaining a positive attitude. These values are reflected in the way the team plays and trains, and it is evident that they have a strong foundation for success. With a mix of experienced and new players, a focus on team chemistry, and a passion for motivating and developing his athletes, Coach Pinion and the Wawasee High School track and field team are ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming season.
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