Woodrow Wilson High School (Long Beach) Track & Field Season Preview

As the track and field season kicks off, all eyes are on Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California. This team has consistently dominated the competition, with the girls' team going for their third consecutive state title and the boys' team aiming for their first team title after a third-place finish in 2024. At the helm of this powerhouse program is Coach Neil Nelson, who has been leading the team with passion and dedication for several years now. When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Nelson proudly names a few key players who have been crucial to the team's success. One standout is the state champion in the long jump, Loren Webster, who has signed a letter of intent to the University of Oregon. Alongside her is Kaylin Edwards, a 2023 300m hurdles runner committed to the University of Arkansas. These two athletes are joined by other talented returners such as Saniah Varnado in the 400m and 300m hurdles, Alene Washington in the 100m and 300m hurdles, and Riley Jones in the 1600m and 800m. On the boys' side, players to watch include sophomore Kaedyn Burroughs in the 400m and 200m, Jaeron Harris in the 300m hurdles and 110m hurdles, and Wyland Obando and Cash Obando in the 800m and 400m respectively. Coach Nelson believes that the key to success this season is keeping all the players healthy and working together towards their goals. In addition to the returning players, Coach Nelson is also excited about the new additions to the team. Freshman Brooklyn Fowler and sophomore Shirayah Lewis Williams are both being considered for captain roles. When asked about the qualities he looks for in a captain, Coach Nelson emphasizes passion and leadership. He believes that these two players embody these qualities and can help motivate the team to success. As for motivation, Coach Nelson points to the team's chemistry and camaraderie as a key factor. He states that their team culture is the cornerstone of their success and that the players truly understand what it takes to be successful. The team's practice sessions are also vital in pushing the players to their full potential. Coach Nelson stresses the importance of communication and takes the time to get to know each player individually to understand what motivates them. He believes that mental training is just as important as physical training in track and field, and works with his athletes to develop a winning mindset. Despite their impressive track record, Coach Nelson acknowledges that every season brings its own set of challenges. This year, the biggest challenge for the team has been the coaching staff staying patient and trusting the process. He believes that everyone involved, from coaches to athletes, must have faith in the process and be willing to work hard to achieve their goals. The team's schedule for this season is sure to be an exciting one. Coach Nelson has included some tough opponents on their schedule, including trips out of state to compete in the Texas Relays and the Oregon Relays. They will also be competing in the prestigious Arcadia Invitational in California, which is known as the Number One Meet in the state. These high-level competitions will allow the team to showcase their talents and test their skills against some of the best athletes in the country. When asked about any changes or improvements made to the team's training and conditioning program, Coach Nelson emphasizes the importance of consistency. While coaching styles may differ, he believes that staying consistent and continuously learning and improving are crucial for success. He also credits the team's strong culture and camaraderie as the driving force behind their training and conditioning, as it keeps the athletes motivated and focused on their goals. For Coach Nelson, his coaching philosophy is simple: to create a strong and supportive team culture. He believes that by building a solid foundation based on trust and camaraderie, the team can achieve success both on and off the track. This philosophy is evident in the team's gameplay, as they support and push each other to be the best versions of themselves. As the Woodrow Wilson High School track and field team gears up for another exciting season, it's clear that they have all the necessary elements for success. With a mix of talented returning players, new additions to the team, and a dedicated coaching staff, the team is ready to take on any challenge that comes their way.