Taylor Riley
The Germantown girl’s track team is finding a way to succeed both individually and as a team.
“Given that track is more of an individual sport, I expect them to be able to come out and give me a 100% every day, contribute more than just their athletic ability, and support their teammates,” stated Walton. “I want the team to do the best that they can, maybe to go to the extent where they qualify for sectionals and even state.”
Acknowledging the runners when they win or do really well in a race keeps them going and helps them to stay encouraged.
“We try after every big meet to recognize the outstanding performances and try to recognize each individual runners accomplishments for that meet whether they set a personal record or not. I think just that individual name being announced is motivating,” stated Walton.
No matter how well a team may be, there will always be challenges. However, they don’t hinder the team’s performance.
“I think the biggest challenge is the weather, just having a nice day to get out there and practice. I know every coach faces athletes that get injured, and that’s always going to be at the top of the list,” said Walton.
Some challenges are actually positive ones, especially when it comes from moving from focusing on the individual.
“The challenging thing for me this year was being a leader and cheering the team on every meet,” stated junior runner Tierra Taylor.
Junior Alex Kellon still manages to excel despite having one of the largest challenges.
“I’m a discus thrower and shot-put. During the season I learned teamwork and how to throw, but we don’t have a coach for throwing specifically,” stated Kellon.
Walton sees great potential in all of the girls, but a few have shown the potential to go far into the season.
“I have a pole-vaulter [sophomore Allie Hughes] that’s probably number one in the county, and she’ll probably go to state. Trinity Smith broke 60 seconds in the 400 and she’s is doing really well right now,” said Walton.
The season is not quite over, but Walton and the team seem to be doing just fine.
The Germantown girl’s track team is finding a way to succeed both individually and as a team.
“Given that track is more of an individual sport, I expect them to be able to come out and give me a 100% every day, contribute more than just their athletic ability, and support their teammates,” stated Walton. “I want the team to do the best that they can, maybe to go to the extent where they qualify for sectionals and even state.”
Acknowledging the runners when they win or do really well in a race keeps them going and helps them to stay encouraged.
“We try after every big meet to recognize the outstanding performances and try to recognize each individual runners accomplishments for that meet whether they set a personal record or not. I think just that individual name being announced is motivating,” stated Walton.
No matter how well a team may be, there will always be challenges. However, they don’t hinder the team’s performance.
“I think the biggest challenge is the weather, just having a nice day to get out there and practice. I know every coach faces athletes that get injured, and that’s always going to be at the top of the list,” said Walton.
Some challenges are actually positive ones, especially when it comes from moving from focusing on the individual.
“The challenging thing for me this year was being a leader and cheering the team on every meet,” stated junior runner Tierra Taylor.
Junior Alex Kellon still manages to excel despite having one of the largest challenges.
“I’m a discus thrower and shot-put. During the season I learned teamwork and how to throw, but we don’t have a coach for throwing specifically,” stated Kellon.
Walton sees great potential in all of the girls, but a few have shown the potential to go far into the season.
“I have a pole-vaulter [sophomore Allie Hughes] that’s probably number one in the county, and she’ll probably go to state. Trinity Smith broke 60 seconds in the 400 and she’s is doing really well right now,” said Walton.
The season is not quite over, but Walton and the team seem to be doing just fine.