Durant's track team is running strong to get ready for their state competition. Girls head and distance coach, Mike Gursky said the upcoming weeks are crucial (April 23- May 7): they consist of districts, regionals, and states. The girl's distance team has seven members- a small number compared to their local rivals- including returning state champion, Grace Vandegrift. Vandegrift, a junior, has been running since middle school, and fractured her hip recently by running too much and not stretching. After getting off her crutches, she is excited to be running again. “I really miss being out here with everyone and it's good to be back.”
The small number of girls doesn't bother Gursky, “They're a good core group, and I'm okay with that.”
Compared to last year's season “It's a lot tougher,” said junior distance runner Ashley Desimone, “I was in it [track] last year. I know what to expect, I know how to push myself more, and I just want to get my times better.”
The girls sprint team consists of 15 girls. De'anjah Claypool, Riley Andreu, Shelbi Olsen, and Ariel Blackburn are the standout athletes for the season, according to Al Mitchell, the girls sprint coach. Olsen, a junior, said that even though the track season started out difficult with girls that weren't dedicated, the team is starting to form. “The season started out rough, but we have recovered, and it's off to a wonderful continuation,” said Mitchell.
The boys sprint team, lead by Coach Matt Wright, has a lot of new faces this year compared to last year's senior-filled team. Together, the sprint and distance teams have a total of 45 members.
Leader on the track team, senior David Claypool said he joined the team his sophomore year to stay in shape for football, and fell in love with the sport. According to Claypool, the season is going pretty well, “Last year, we were better of team wise on our 4 by 4 [relay], but this year on 400 [meter] we look really good."
Second in the county, senior John McQueen said practices are hard, but it's worth it. “I know Coach Wright pushes us in practices. That's why I am where I am now.”
At press time, the team's record was 0-2 with 6 meets left. The Cougars will face greatest rival, Plant City High School on April 9. “We're about working hard, doing extremely well, and having fun,” said Gursky.
Despite the fun aspect, athletes say track is a challenge, “Track is really hard…you're gonna be out of breath, you're not going to enjoy it,” said Olsen. “But it's the thrill of winning that makes it all worth it.”
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