Track and Field has historically been one of NPHS’s most successful sports teams. It has had years of success, as you can see from the many trophies displayed in the trophy case by the Nurse’s office. Thanks to the dedicated athletes and hardworking coaches, the track team comes into the winter season with a reputation to uphold.

So, how do they work towards that?  Practice.

What does a practice look like for a track athlete?

Each day, the athletes only have 2 hours to practice and perfect their form. 

Practice begins at 3:05, with the warm ups. All events warm up together by running 2 laps around the track and doing dynamic stretching. After that, the events break up and go with their coaches.

 The coaches are to thank for the amazing team dynamic. It is the coach’s job to motivate students to strive to perform their best.

“I think trying to empower the student athletes and help them fall in love with the sport. You get them into the mindset, then they’re willing to work as hard as they can,” said Coach Craig Barclay, who has been coaching the shot put team for four years. 

Freshman thrower Julia DiQuollo said: “I love the coaches.  They always give me helpful tips and stuff, they never make me feel bad for doing something wrong and help me feel more confident.”

The coaches are not the only people to credit for the success of the team. Athletes are practicing in the cold every weekday and still manage to maintain positive attitudes to encourage new athletes to practice to their full potential.

“I just never feel pressured when I’m practicing,” said DiQuollo.  “If you don’t know the form or if you’re doing something wrong, they’ll [the older athletes] help you right away, and they’ll make sure you’ll get better at it.”