Give Track a Try

March has come in like a lion.  That’s nothing new for residents of Southeast Idaho.  With the coming of March also comes the end of the winter sports season and the beginning of the spring sports season.  Yes it is still cold and yes there is still plenty of snow covering the tracks at the local high schools but the fact remains that the track and field season is well underway.  Coach Corry Hatch from North Gem stated, “I have become good at training in the gym.  Intensity makes quality workouts not location.  The ability to help kids understand that guts and technique can overcome volume and talent is what makes

us competitive.”  

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations track and field is the number one sport for high school participation.  Despite those numbers the fact remains that many youth sports are seeing a decline in participation numbers.  It is believed that there are a variety of factors contributing to this.  Some of these factors include a sense of pressure to succeed combined with the fear of failure. Track and field is one sport where these fears can be lessened for kids.  While there is a competitive side of the sport there is also the aspect of self improvement.  The number of athletes that can compete for an individual championship is limited but the number of athletes that can be on a team can be limitless.  Most athletes in the sport compete against their own personal records.  Each individual athlete can see improvement and growth throughout their season by tracking their personal records making themselves their primary competition.  

Another great advantage to track and field is the variety of events available to each athlete.  Distance running, sprints, long jumps, high jumps, hurdles, shot put, discus, and recently added javelin just to name a few.  With so many options available even kids with no athletic experience can find an event to compete in.  Coach Sage Knudson from Grace commented “We encourage anyone and everyone to come out for track.”  Track and field is also listed among the safest sports for youth and actually has long term health benefits.  Coach Sage went on to say, “We work on a lot of mobility and strength training in addition to speed and endurance that can transfer into other sports.”  The sport also ranks as one of the least expensive sports for youth since there is very little personal equipment required to participate.  

If these factors haven’t yet convinced you or your child to give track a try there is also the down time at the meets themselves.  With so many participants and events each athlete is bound to have some down time. That down time is the most fun part of track for many of the kids. This time is spent playing games with teammates, sleeping, eating, or wandering around meeting kids from other schools and perhaps a little flirting. When asked what is the best thing about track, Senior hurdler Tayler Yost responded, “The people are what makes it fun.  There’s not a lot of judgment that goes on and everyone’s here to have a good time.”  Senior Nathaniel Smith added, “I’ve made a lot of friends and it has taught me how to work really hard and push myself.”  

Although the track season has already begun few if any of the coaches would discourage someone from joining the team late.  No matter the skill level Grace coach TJ Knudson said, “We want competitors here, because if you’re a competitor in track you’re a competitor in life.”  

Parents if you have a child that is shy or lacks confidence, track is the place for them.  If your child is outgoing and enjoys making new friends, track is the place for them.  If your child just needs to get out of the house and be active, track is the place for them.  Yes there is a theme here track and field has a place for everyone no matter their size, shape or skill level.  So if you haven’t done so yet, give track a try.