SHS bringing track back to high standards

Times Reporter

 

Back in the 1990’s, and around 2007 to 2009, Strathmore High School had a reputation for track and field success. Since then, skill hasn’t necessarily declined, but the amount of time put forth has. Vice Principal Larson wanted to change that.

“Mr. Larson had this plan to try and get more of us out so that we could be back in coaching, but so that we weren’t like one or two people trying to do everything,” said Pat Fule, who coaches sprints. “So we all got together and we each took different events and it spread the load of the coaching and the time.”

Mr. Sonsteby focuses on distance running, Mr. Moncks assists with throwing events, Ms. Westgard overlooks the jump teams, and even Mr. Larson himself coaches the relay groups.

“We wanted to get this track program back on its feet. It used to be strong before and then you know, different people were getting involved, and some of us had to drop out, and some people get busy,” said Fule. “So we’re trying to get more kids to come out and buy into the program too, and get involved, and take it seriously, and train regularly.”

Kids practice their events at least twice a week, and the occasional weekend to prep for the upcoming Wheatland County Finals on May 22. After County, SHS can qualify for the South Central Zone, who could potentially represent at Provincials.

Expecting high results in the 1500m dash, Mr. Fule says they’ve also “got some really good, fast girl sprinters, and we’re hoping to have some solid relay teams this year too.”

To practice, Fule encourages the students to not only run their events, but to run the same distance multiple times with a rest in between, in order to build their speed and speed endurance.

“We had some good runners and throwers in the 90’s, I know, it sounds like a long time ago, but we had some provincial champions,” said Fule. “We’re trying to get it back going.”