Junior and girls’ track runner Avery Warner warms up for practice on Jan. 19 at Billy Henderson Stadium track by running a mile. Warner has been running track for Clarke Central High School since her freshman year and enjoys the camaraderie of the girls’ team. “We’re a really close-knit team with a really good coach, which makes running even more fun,” Warner said. Photo by Julie Alpaugh.
By ANEESA CONINE-NAKANO – Digital Managing Editor
The girls’ track team, whose official team practices began Jan. 19, is preparing for this year’s season by focusing on their goal to go to state.
The girls’ track team has begun preparing for the upcoming spring season by conditioning and training the new runners. Distance coach Elyse Bray hopes that this year’s team is able to rank and advance to sectionals and state.
“I want to get all my runners top four in the region because top four goes to sectionals and top eight from sectionals go to state,” Bray said. “Last year, we had a good amount go to sectionals, but I’d like even more to go next year and then hopefully state.”
Junior and girls’ track runner Avery Warner believes the hard work runners put in during the offseason will help the team as the season begins.
“We had a winter training schedule with mileage for every day based off our fitness and if we follow those then we’re probably going to be in pretty good shape going into the season,” Warner said.
Warner also believes the growing team will give Clarke Central High School’s track program an advantage.
“Last year our biggest weakness, at least for the long distance team, was numbers. We only had two long distance girls and maybe three long distance guys,” Warner said. “But this year we did a lot more recruiting and we have quite a few more long distance runners.”
Looking forward, Warner is excited for the season and credits the team’s camaraderie and teamwork to making the sport worthwhile.
“My favorite part is definitely the team aspect of it. We’re a really close-knit team with a really good coach, which makes running even more fun,” Warner said. “Running is also a really good way to relieve stress so it’s really helpful during the school year.”
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