As the indoor track season continues, the team is preparing to travel to Youngstown, Ohio, to compete in their next meet.
This meet marks an important point in the season, with training beginning to show in competition. Athletes across multiple event groups, including distance, sprints and jumps will compete.
For junior distance runner Thomas Dunkle, the upcoming meet represents a chance to put weeks of cold, long runs and workouts to the test. Dunkle feels confident heading into the meet.
“I feel like I’m really prepared for this meet,” Dunkle said. “The workouts and runs we’ve been doing have helped a lot and it has been a while since the last meet I was at, so I’m ready to compete.”
Senior sprinter Brooklyn Weaver is also ready for the challenge, especially with the focus the coaches have placed on consistency and execution in practice.
“I think we’re in a good place right now,” Weaver said. “We’ve been working on a lot of the small details, and going into this meet, I feel confident in what we’ve been doing.”
The meet will also provide valuable experience for underclassmen like sophomore jumper Taylor Lear, who is still adjusting to the pace and pressure of indoor competition. Lear said the training has helped build confidence heading into the trip.
“I definitely feel more prepared than I did earlier in the season,” Lear said. “Practice has been really focused, and I’m excited to compete and see how everything comes together.”
From a coaching perspective, head and sprint coach Michael Adams believes the team’s preparation has put athletes in a strong position as they travel to Youngstown.
“Based on what I’ve seen in practice, I think they’re ready,” Adams said. “They’ve been training hard and showing improvement, which is exactly what you want to see heading into a meet like this. After previous meets, I have faith they’ll build more upon what they have already achieved.”
Distance coach Paula Foreman echoed that confidence, and noted the progress athletes have made over the past few weeks.
“The distance runners have been very focused and committed to their training,” Foreman said. “They’ve shown a lot of growth, and I think this meet will be a good opportunity for them to compete and continue building momentum.”
As the team prepares to make the trip to Youngstown on Feb. 7, the YSU (Youngstown State University) High School Meet stands as another step forward in the indoor season, offering athletes a chance to compete, improve and gain valuable experience moving ahead.
