smetrack: It takes GUTS to be on a Relay
Sunday, March 9It Takes GUTS To Be On A Relay Team
To be a relay team member you have to be willing to run through the pain. You must be able to draw strength from the knowledge that not only is the relay team counting on you, but the whole track team is counting on you.
If you have been around track and field for any length of time you know that meets have been won or lost on the performance of the 4x4 team. Arguably, the points scored throughout the meet from every athlete, ensure a victory. But, the 4x4 relay team is the last event of the day and if the team is down a few points, it is up to the 4x4 to get the points needed to win. Last year's team were the state champion. All five of the athletes that competed in the 4x4 at state graduated. There is no question they will be going to state again this year. The only question that remains is WHO WILL BE ON THE TEAM? Who will be our horses that we can build a team around? Our girls 4x4 relay team placed 7th at state last year. We expect they will build on this success and be in the top four at state this coming May.
The 4x8 team has it's own responsibilities. SME boy's and girl's team has been strong in this event for many years. The girl's 4x800 were the state champions last year. Blowing away their competition. Three of the four girls will be returning this season. They need a couple determined young ladies to be a part of this winning tradition. The boys team made it to state as well. The 4x800 team requires GUTS. These athletes not only have to be at their best physically, but there is also a mental aspect to the event. The 800 is a strategic event requiring much thought as to where you want to be at different points in the race. The athletes have to keep from getting boxed in. They have to keep contact with the person in front of them. It is a very mental event. All four athletes have to be at the top of their game to ensure a victory. We are confident our 4x8 teams will be contenders at league, regionals and state. DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A PART OF IT?
The 4x1 team requires confidence, speed and timing. Getting the baton around the track in this event involves risk. The worst sound in track and field is the clank of a baton hitting the track. The athletes must spend a lot of time in practice perfecting their split second timing. Ideally, two athletes running at top speed have to pass a baton without changing their stride, getting out of their exchange zones or getting out of their lane. No easy task. Our boys team won state last year in the most exciting finish of the weekend. They set a new school record for SME. One half of the state 4x1 return this season. We need some dedicated athletes to fill the remaining spots. WHO IS GOING TO REPRESENT SME IN THIS SPRINT EVENT? WHO IS DEDICATED ENOUGH TO PERFECT THE HAND-OFFS.
Relays are a blast to be a part of but it takes guts and responsibility. Responsibility to other athletes on your relay, responsibility to your team as a whole, responsibility to your coaches and responsibility to yourself to be prepared and compete at the highest level.
| hit counter gallery |