Very few high school sports teams can vouch for having quite an exceptional record—excluding Chisholm High School’s Track & Field team of course. The CHS Track record speaks for itself as the school is home to over 30 All-Staters derived specifically from this sport itself. An institution containing such a record leads one to inquire and dissect what areas contribute most to such a success rate; nonetheless, some CHS Track & Field athletes have agreed to reveal their personal insights on what factors make their team the dynasty it is today.

A senior contender and track & field member of four years, Mollie Burchel, stated the preparations that are essential for the team’s mental and physical achievement this season: “Our preparations have stayed similar to ours last year. Losing our indoor track season has undoubtedly made an impact on our mental and physical training for our upcoming meets; we also have had several interruptions due to the virus and weather conditions. However, we have tried our best to continue training despite the small breaks. We’ve taken more time this year to focus on drills to make our forms as efficient as possible. We always do thorough stretches prior and following our workouts to prevent injuries.” The importance of agility in regard to performance speaks for itself as it often relies on athletic victory. As a senior having experience on the state level, Mollie later spoke on what she thinks it will take this year for her team to succeed to the extent they have in the past. “Our team has changed a lot this year; we lost many important team members last year—as they were seniors. This leaves us with many younger athletes on the team who are lacking in competitive experience; however, my goal is to represent to them myself attempting to compete to the best of my ability, so in turn, they can be encouraged to do the same. Every person has the potential to improve themselves, but they must focus and work hard to become better for themselves and the team. I hope to push and inspire my teammates to enhance their talents in that regard,” Burchel said.

Another member of the CHS Girls Track & Field Team, sophomore Laiken Hackett, devised what she believes makes her teams’ record and reputation most victorious. Pointing specifically towards leadership, Hackett stated: “The leadership in Chisholm athletics, and especially in track, is incredible. Being younger, I feel like I have more room to improve, but here at Chisholm, everyone is so encouraging which allows me to grow as an athlete and as well as a teammate. The coaches never cease motivating me, and it gives me the strength I need to overcome any obstacles I may face. I know with the leadership that we possess we can continue to do amazing things.” Although programs invest financially in facilities and equipment in hopes to further their athlete’s capabilities, the costless piece of equipment that Chisholm Track & Field teams seem to use to their advantage is the aspect of instilling leadership; the belief from athletes that their individual and team goals are unable to be met without the presence of leadership validates the premise of its vitalness and value to the athletes, coaches, and competitors.

On a different scale, the potential for athletes to compete to their best ability not only relies on intensive training and leadership but also is concentrated on an athlete’s facility to deal with possible injuries. The conundrum on athletic fields resting on runners’ injuries can be difficult; even so, the emphasis on correct prevention from future slashes, brakes, or contusions is even more crucial. Junior CHS boys’ Track & Field runner, Abraham Redd, considered what he merits as most influential to his own experiences with injury prevention in athletics at Chisholm: “My coaches have taught me over the years that I can prevent myself from getting injured by wearing good shoes, stretching muscles for good form, and elastic stretching before and after each workout. Devotion is key when it comes to distance running; the preparation isn’t fun, but it pays off when you can run to your full potential. For example, summer pride has been a great opportunity for me to grow physically and mentally as an athlete.     Although it’s not easy getting up at 6 a.m. in the summer, the improvements that we as athletes reap from it make it worthwhile.” Participant Abraham Redd confirmed: Consistency is key.

Another CHS boys’ track & field member, senior Hunter Combs, vocalized his thoughts on his transition to the arising track season as he just emerged from basketball season: “The conditioning and training in basketball and track are very different, but coming from basketball, I still am in good enough shape to go perform and get ready for track meets. Dealing with high-pressure situations in basketball has played a tremendous role in my work ethic and given me the ability to stay calm in important track races such as regionals or the state championship.”

Affirmed by their superior training, grounding leadership, invigorated coaching, and everlasting drive, success will not cease to fall short for the CHS boys’ and girls’ track & field teams. Their season opener will be March 12th at Cherokee High School. Support the CHS Longhorns this season and their on-going track & field legacy by attending their meets or keeping up with their statistics virtually!