Track and Field Rundown: Back to Back Region Champs

The Walnut Grove track team has been doing fantastic all season. They have been communicating together as a team, practicing everyday like it's their last, and are always striving to be better. These ethnic strategies gave the team the title of back-to-back region champs.​
by Lucas Bell and Makayla Bryson

The Warriors have a tradition of having a good track team, but this time however, it was fantastic. This is the biggest track team Walnut Grove has had in its history. The Warriors have had a record breaking season, literally. They have broken several records on the track and even more personal records. The whole team had goals, and they definitely hit the jackpot. 

“I think one goal for the guys is that they were county champs, and now they are back to back region champions. We still have goals in mind for this season, though: like getting as many people as we can to state. That goes for the girls too because they have worked hard and been successful... There have been a lot of school records and personal records. At the end of the day though our goal on Saturday is to get as many people as we can to state.” Coach Abner stated during an interview. 

The Warriors aren't just going to stop at region champs, they are looking to take it all the way home. They are hungry for the state title, and it's starting to show. They are really showing Warrior Pride everyday down on the field. “The guys have been successful this season so we are trying to keep them motivated and make them the best they can be at each meet that we go to. It has been awesome winning, but there are still some goals we need to achieve, so hopefully they still stay committed and not be content.” Coach Abner said. He really does care for his team. A good coach makes a good team. 

During the actual season itself however, the team had a rocky start. They had around 200 people trying to run track but everything just went to complete and total chaos. No one really listened, paid attention, or did anything the coach asked. The team went from bad news bears to absolute beasts. Coach Abner really did put in that work on his team. “We had almost 170 participating and I didn’t think we would have that many, but it’s a good thing we did... I would probably try to get more organized in practices and have better communication,” Coach Abner said.

The athletes individually however, saw the start of the season differently. Each player throughout the season had a different lookout at it. They saw it as fun, something to do because they were bored, or maybe even because they were told to do it. They were not dialed in for the first 2 weeks of the season. 

Coach Abner got heavy footed and slammed his foot on the gas and got his team into go mode, before anyone could notice the team had a flip switch in them. Middle of the season they were doing what they needed to do. You know running faster than the guy to their left or even just listening to Coach talk after practice, but something happened.

Rashad Campbell wanted more than just to “Win”. He wanted every bit of success. Every lick. He has the most broken personal records on the team, the most broken school records on the team, and the most helpful player on the team that gave them a chance to be back-to-back champions. 

Ace Smith is a freshman on the team, he runs the 1 and 2 miles. He also did a lot for his team. Everyday before he goes on the field, he said “I make sure to drink a lot of water and do a good warm up” Ace Smith. A girl named Lily Roe also broke a record.  “I made it to sectionals and that’s the first time in 4 years anybody has made it for distance.” Lily Roe. The season had a rough start but is ending well now. 

The general season was good, the entire team loved it. “It was pretty cool. It was different for me because I came from Monroe so we did stuff differently. We did stuff earlier and quicker and faster. But I adjusted pretty quickly and easily”. Micheal Jonathan stated. Micheal also said  “Having fun” was a goal that he feels the whole team completed this season. 

Overall the team had a rocky start, but now they all left footprints on the track to remember. They have broken personal records, school records, beat other teams, and have made memories along the way. I don't think anyone is happier than Coach Abner seeing his players' performances grow every day.