The winter track season came to an end, but not without an astounding finish, as the boys’ indoor track team won the 3B Championship at Regionals. Coming off a great season, this win raises spirits as the qualified team members prepare for states at Liberty University. With the guidance of their coaches Quentin Jones, Mark Scott and Sam Oravec, the prioritization of team chemistry is what allows this team to accomplish their goals.
Oravec, who has been coaching the sprinters on track for 2 years, prioritizes rest and preparation before meets. “More rest… to help them focus because kids have so many things they’re doing,” Oravec said. Getting into a competition mindset by individualizing practice is also a key focus before meets. “We make [practice] more event-specific for what the athlete needs,” stated Oravec. The effort and thought put into helping the athletes succeed fosters a sense of trust and team chemistry. “If we don’t have a good culture, base or foundation, then we wouldn’t do as well as we do at these championships…everybody supports everybody,” Oravec explained. Oravec’s lifelong dream of being a coach shows as he steps forward to coach the track team to victory, stating, “I had really good coaches in high school… growing up, and feel like that’s the best way that I can give back to my community and to the athletes and the future generations.”
Senior Sam Pacassi has been a member of the track team since his freshman year and has developed strong bonds with his teammates on the distance side, as sprinters and distance runners tend to have less interaction. According to Pacassi, a team’s chemistry is vital for success at meets: “I think it pushes us to want to beat each other … in the races, which makes us want to run faster because of the competition.”
Friendly competition and team support play a key role in an athlete’s performance. Beyond the rivalry, the support of team members plays an important role in an athlete’s performance as well. Senior Christopher Bolles emphasizes the value of this encouragement: “They cheer you on, and it just makes you run better.” As Bolles also celebrates his fourth year on the track team, he remarks on the difference being close with your team makes, saying, “The whole vibe is better because you’re with your friends.” The state-qualified athletes look forward to competing again and hope to bring home yet another victory.
