A message from track and field coach Chuck Woolridge arrived in Canvas inboxes during winter break, encouraging students to join the team. While it might seem irrelevant to some people, for others it’s an opportunity to do something not only in spring, but also in winter. “The Campo Track & Field Team is open to all athletes,” said Coach Woolridge.
Coach Woolridge sent a follow-up message on Jan. 20 to students and parents with more information for those who intend to join track and field this season. “The Campo Track & Field Team is open to all abilities and levels of experience. Our program offers an exciting athletic opportunity to all hardworking students willing to meet high standards of effort, attitude, and attendance,” Woolridge said.
The diversity of activities in the sport of track and field makes it open to anyone. For instance, there are running events for short and long distance runners, and other events more focused on strength, like the shot put and the discus.
The first day of the official track and field season is Feb. 9, and there will be an informational parent Zoom meeting the day after. However, the team has held practice sessions on the track every day after school during the winter season. Some athletes also run on their own before or after school. Coach Woolridge has implemented a detailed schedule for those looking to practice during the offseason that includes videos of stretches and exercises. Senior distance runner Claire Andrzejek carries a steady cadence of daily runs and cross-training anchored by a shared team plan: “Right now it’s the winter season, so we have a schedule online a lot of people follow, and practices are held at the track after school every day.” She added, “I run basically every day and do cross training as well a few times a week.”
Over time, consistently attending pre-season practices can be an advantage over rival teams. “It builds the work ethic early, starting to get ready for the season. And then also, obviously, it builds fitness. So when the season starts, you’re not starting from not having run in like, three months,” said senior Taejing Chung.
The heavy workload doesn’t make the headlines, but it can wins races in April and May. Showing up to practices in December means that it is not a shock when February comes, but rather a transition.
Excitement is brewing from a team that has worked hard throughout the entire offseason. Junior Zachary Min is thrilled for the competition. “All the meets, those are very fun,” he said. The team has built a work ethic during the winter offseason that they hope will show up come spring. “I’m most excited to just race and have fun training every day. I enjoy track and field a lot, so I’m excited,” said Andrzejek.
