West Torrance High School Track & Field Season Preview

The West Torrance High School track and field team is gearing up for an exciting season under the guidance of Coach Eric Madera. With the goal of reclaiming their league titles in both the Varsity Men and Women’s divisions, the team is focused on building depth and finding success in all events. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the team’s strengths and weaknesses, new players to watch, and Coach Madera’s coaching philosophy. With a larger team this year, one of the biggest challenges for Coach Madera has been managing the team and ensuring that each athlete gets the attention and guidance they need. Fortunately, he has an excellent team of assistant coaches to help with the training and conditioning of the team. Together, they have worked on recruiting and encouraging athletes to try new events, which adds depth to the team and expands their potential for success. Speaking of success, the key to a successful season, according to Coach Madera, is depth. Having a strong and well-rounded team contributes to overall success and increases the chances of winning league titles. This year, the team will be relying on the top returning players from last season - Caden Matsumoto (11), Mina Chung (12), and Bernice Nkemnji (11). All three of these athletes have proven themselves to be top performers in their respective events and are expected to lead the team to victory. With Caden being a top long-jumper in California, Mina as the reigning league champion in the 100m dash, and Bernice excelling in both sprint events and long jump, they each bring a unique set of skills and determination to the team. In addition to the top returners, there are also some new players to watch out for on the team. Three girls, in particular, have made a significant impact by trying out the triple jump this season and showing great promise. This highlights the importance of trying new events and being open to stepping out of one’s comfort zone, a value that Coach Madera instills in his team. When it comes to leadership, Coach Madera prefers to let it happen organically. He believes that the athletes who are naturally drawn to leadership will naturally take on the role and lead the team. This approach also encourages healthy competition among the athletes, as they push each other to be the best they can be. While teamwork and leadership are crucial, Coach Madera also puts importance on individual motivation.