Spring is in the air and Pine Creek track is in the midst of the season. With well over 150 athletes competing in track including both boys and girls coaching plays an important role.
Head Coach Sarah King shares her story.
King has been the head track coach at Pine Creek for 15 years. One thing that King appreciates the most about the team this year is “they get along well and they put the team first instead of their individual event.” When asked about her experience in track, King shared her unique story, “I went to Pine Creek as a student and did track, then when I came to work here my previous track coach retired so I took over his position.” King said, “I want everyone to have a positive experience and get as many kids to state as possible.”
Athletes are striving on the field to better their performances and set ever more impressive personal records (PR).
Player Spotlights:
Gable Rial (400m, 800m, 1600m, and 3200m):
Gable Rial (12) has his eyes set on breaking school records. Rial said, “I’ve been on the track team all my four years at Pine Creek. I decided to do track because I’m good at running and have been practicing it for my whole life. The atmosphere of the team has been good this year and I’ve gotten to know new people and make new friends” When asked about his goals for the season Rial said “I want to be top nine in the state so I can place for state. I’m really close to breaking a few school records so I should be able to get those soon.” Rial is currently committed to Western Colorado for both Track and Cross Country.
Nathan Meyer (200m, 4×1, 4×2):
Nathan Meyer (9) has been doing track since he was in middle school. When asked about why he chose track Meyer said, “I started track because it’s fun and cool to be around my teammates. My goal for track is to get faster and the atmosphere is very fun and pretty hype and the practices are very cool.” Meyer said one of his favorite parts of this season is the bus rides to the meets with his teammates.
Rylan Hallam (400m, 4×4, 4×8):
Rylan Hallam (11) has been running track since his freshman year. Hallam said, “I started track because I wanted to get faster for basketball and then I kept doing it because I had fun doing it.” Some of Hallam’s goals are to qualify for state in the 400m which he would have to be top 18 in the state for. Hallam emphasizes the chemistry of the team. “We work hard at practices.” Hallam reflects, “Because Track meets are so long we all have a lot of time together so we’re all close.”
Enrique Trujillo (Shot Put):
Enrique Trujillo (10) talks about the atmosphere of the team. Trujillo said, “the atmosphere is really good and very competitive. People are trying to beat their personal record.” Trujillo’s favorite part in track is getting to go to the meets. Trujillo said, “Track helps me with football because I get stronger from throwing. One of my accomplishments was throwing thirty five feet and breaking my personal record.”
Olivia Nau (800m, 1600m):
Olivia Nau (11) has been doing track since her sophomore year at Pine Creek shares her story. Nau said, “I Started track because I enjoy running and pushing myself to do better. Some of Nau’s goals are to not get injured when she is running and to beat her PR. Nau emphasizes the chemistry of the team, “They are really supportive and we all push each other to do better.” The part of track that Nau enjoys is getting to meet new people and pushing herself.
Mckinzey Stowers (Shot Put, Discus):
Mckinzey Stowers (10) has been doing track since 8th grade at Pine Creek shares her story. “I got into track because my mom told me about it and my mom had done it when she was younger”. Now she really enjoys track. Stowers goal is to hit a PR for her throw. Stowers said that the atmosphere is a little bit competitive because all the people want to get a PR so people are just working on their form. “My favorite part of the season is meeting new people,” Stowers said, “Track helps me with volleyball because when I go to the weight room it helps with my arms and legs.”
Siena Anewalt (200m, 4×2):
Sienna Anewalt (9) at Pine Creek has been doing track for a year and a half. Anewalt said she got into track because of her friends and one of her goals in track is to beat her PR. Anewalt said, “the atmosphere around the team is very competitive and we have a very good team bond.” When asked about her favorite part of the track Anewalt shared, “My favorite part is meeting new people and doing track with my best friend.”
