Fast or Last

By UriYah Grantham

As spring approaches and practices begin, excitement is building for the track and field season. I am a high school student who will be taking part in Track and Field.

High school outdoor track season in the U.S. typically runs from March through May, with practice beginning in late winter and invitational meets peaking in April and May. Sometimes the weather can play a big part in track season. The wind could slow down sprinters, rain can make the track slippery, and heat can challenge distance runners’ stamina. Track coach Mark Wailey has coached track for 34 years at Sutherlin. “Well, I mean, it's just fun to watch, like where we're at right now, where we end up, how kids improve,’ says Wailey.

Learning to compete in different conditions is part of the sport. One of the most interesting parts of track and field is how events are structured. The foot racing events, which include sprints, middle and long distance events, race walking, and hurdling, are won by the athlete who completes it in the least amount of time. The jumping and throwing events are won by those who achieve the greatest distance or height.” Wikipedia This shows how different events require completely different skills. Sprinters rely on fast and explosive power, while distance runners focus on endurance and pacing. Field athletes need a lot of technique to throw farther and jump higher. “I did track and I ran 4 by 100, and the 4 by 400, I did long jump and triple jump,” says Wailey. 

Track and field is a collection of sports featuring running, jumping, and throwing events, held on a 400m synthetic track and inner field. It includes sprints, hurdles, middle, long distance races, relays, and field events like shot put, discus, javelin, and jumps. These competitions measure speed, strength, and endurance.” Wikipedia

Athletes even take on an extra challenge through combined events. “Combined events such as the heptathlon consisting of seven events, and the decathlon consisting of ten events, challenge athletes to participate in a combination of track and field disciplines.” These events test all around skill, since competitors have to perform their best in multiple areas rather than specializing in just one.

 Track can teach valuable lessons in life. It builds discipline because athletes have to train consistently to stay in shape even when they feel tired. It builds confidence as runners and field athletes watch their times get better every day, and heights improve. “It's fun to, you know, try to teach the skills and it's like when we're running, today, watching kids with their arms kind of all over the place, but it won't take very much longer and you'll see these improvements in running form and then when kids are actually in their races, you see them actually trying to do the things that you taught them, that they weren't doing before, and that makes you feel good says Wailey. “It’s teaching, it's coaching, you know, it's fun. 
That's what I'm looking forward to. and then trying to get as many people to state as possible, because staying in Oregon is wonderful and being able to go to Hayward field, and so, it's a blast.”.  There will be meets where everything goes right and personal records will (hopefully) be broken. Learning how to handle both success and disappointment is what helps athletes grow stronger mentally and physically. Athletes start setting goals whether it’s qualifying for championships, improving a personal record, or contributing points to the team. Track isn’t just about winning races or earning medals. It’s about effort, growth, and pushing yourself beyond your limits. For me, That’s what makes the upcoming track season something to truly look forward to.