TLDR:
- Embrace the change that this season will bring and have a positive attitude
- Be at practice every day
- Get new shoes if you haven’t already!
- Meet schedule is up
What beautiful start to the week and to the 2023 track season with temperatures topping 70 degrees on Monday and Tuesday, featuring athletes in t-shirts and shorts – in January! The atmosphere was full of excitement, but also a healthy amount of nervousness. There’s always some nerves when entering a new season, but this track and field season brings about a fair amount of change. Seniors from last year are off on their collegiate adventures, we have more athletes on the roster than we could’ve expected with wonderful additions from other sports, and the coaching staff has changed.
Similar to the seniors from last year, Coach Flatow is embarking on his own collegiate adventure in finishing his Master’s program at Penn while being an assistant track coach at Johns Hopkins for the 2023 season. We couldn’t be more excited for him and what he’ll learn and eventually bring back to MV to make our programs that much stronger! But, that obviously leaves a gap in the head coaching spot which has been filled by Coach David Sciplin (the “c” is silent). Many of you have already met Coach Sciplin directly, but if you haven’t you should make sure to say “Hi!” and introduce yourself! He’s excited to get rolling this season and we’re excited to have him! We also have two new assistant coaches: the Super Mendez Bros. Coach Ryan and Coach Richard will be focused on throws and jumps, respectively. Here’s a full list of the coaching staff:
- Coach Sciplin – Head Coach – Sprints/Hurdles/Relays
- Coach Smith – Sprints/Hurdles/Relays
- Coach Tyler – Sprints/Hurdles
- Coach Curtis – Distance
- Coach Emma – Throws
- Coach Ryan – Throws
- Coach Sam – Jumps
- Coach Richard – Jumps
Our 70+ degree start to the week quickly turned into some not-so-pleasant weather when the rain came in. For many of us, that changed our workout plans for the rest of the week – that’s okay! When things change, especially things that are out of your control, you just have to roll with it. It’s perfectly normal and okay to have emotions that come along with that change. However, you have to adjust, adapt, and focus on what your goals are and how you can still reach them. Given our adjustments to the weather this week, I think we had a really strong start to the season. Similar to how we rolled with the changes that the weather brought us, I think we all can apply that same lesson to this season as a whole. A lot of things are going to be different this year. I expect each one of us (coaches included) to be able to embrace the changes and have the best track and field season we can! The only way that you’ll be able to embrace the change is to have an open mind and a positive attitude. If we all do that, it’s going to be an amazing few months! If you find that you’re struggling in any way, let one of your coaches know – don’t fight that battle alone.
Looking ahead to next week, we have a few business items that need your attention:
Attendance
You are expected to be at practice every day, Monday through Friday. I repeat, every day! Bad weather is no excuse to miss practice. The coaches will let you know via Discord if practice is cancelled due to weather, however we will try to meet in some form or fashion before cancelling. If you are injured, you should still be meeting for practice and either getting treatment from Miss Myesha or helping the coaches out with something at practice.
Shoes/Equipment
You should all have fresh kicks for this track season. If you are a distance runner and are still using your trainers from the XC season, it’s time for new trainers. If you are a sprinter/jumper/hurdler/thrower and you are using the same running/athletics shoes that you “always” do and have for however long, it’s time for new trainers. If you just don’t have running shoes, it’s time to get some. We recommend getting fitted for running shoes at a store like Running Revolution on Campbell Ave in Campbell. If you tell them you are a Monta Vista track athlete, I believe you may get some sort of discount.
Track spikes. Without a doubt, all sprinters, hurdlers, and jumpers should acquire a pair of track spikes. Other event groups should consult your event coaches on race/competition equipment needs. If you’re unsure about what the heck track spikes are, ask your coach this week!
The weather is not going to be warm for a while so please make sure you are wearing proper clothing. Everyone should be wearing full length pants – sweats or otherwise – and long sleeves to practice. We expect you to keep these layers on during the warm up, especially sprinters, hurdlers, and jumpers. Believe it or not, you’re supposed to literally warm up and get a sweat going during the warm up routine!
Try New Things
If you are curious about trying out a new or different event group, go for it! This is best time to try a new event, whether it’s throwing, jumping, distance running, hurdling or sprinting – be awesome and try it all!
Shin Splint Prevention
If your shins are hurting and you are worried you may have shin splints, please talk to one of your coaches about it. If you want to avoid getting shin splints, make sure you are taking the toe walks and toe tap drills seriously during the warm up. There are many other prevention exercises you can do as well. We’ll make sure to share those in a post later in the week.
Happenings
- National Girls and Women in Sports Day is this Wednesday! Let’s celebrate our girls and women by leaving practice a bit early at 5:45pm and heading to the girl’s basketball game. The girl’s soccer and basketball teams will be honored before varsity takes the court. Athletic Senate will be handing out free t-shirts at 6:30pm at both the girl’s soccer and basketball games, so make sure you’re there! Earlier in the day there will be a mini rally in the rally court.
- The Ab Challenge will be happening at the end of April so now is the time to start preparing if you want to compete! Challenge yourself with extra or harder reps when we’re doing team core at the end of practice.
- The 2024 tentative meet schedule is up on the schedule page – go check it out.
Let’s have a good 2nd week, everyone!