LHS track athletes: Searching for a three-peat

Taylor Ericson, Staff Writer

LHS track season is right around the corner and with the success that both the girls and boys teams had last year, it is important that the athletes began to prepare in advance. Whether it be taking time to reflect on previous failures in order to improve on them or getting some winter conditioning in. Every moment of off-season counts and LHS athletes are doing whatever it takes to be one step ahead of the competitor this track season.

The off-season workouts differ depending on what event one participates in. The sprinters and mid-distance athletes have winter conditioning where they work on their starts and speed, whereas the long-distance runners continue to go on long runs to maintain their stamina.

“I have been preparing for the track season by taking some time off and trying new training to stay fresh,” said junior long-distance runner, Bailey Auen.

Both boys and girls track teams have won the state championship the past two years and are aiming for their third title. Having this much success makes the athletes vulnerable to all of the other schools hunting for their chance on the podium.

“I don’t think it is really pressure that we have won consecutive state championships,” said Auen. “But I feel like other teams definitely put a target on our back because we’ve had success in the past.”

In order for LHS to keep their winning streak alive, it is important for the athletes to remain persistent in meeting their goals throughout the season; that starts the second the athletes step foot into their first practice of the season next week.

“One of my goals for the team this season is to win state for the third year in a row,” said Auen. “To do this we have to keep working hard and trusting our coaches.”