Winter is wrapping up and spring sports are upon us, including track and field! At Lowellville High School, track and field is one of three sports offered during the spring season along with baseball and softball. Track and field is a sport in which athletes compete in various events such as sprints, long distance running, jumping, and throwing. Track is often overlooked due to its lack of mainstream media coverage, but here at Lowellville we are excited for the season.
Joe Ballone is one of the track and field coaches along with coaches Bob Ballone Jr., Eric Grow, Lisa Modelski, and David Hodge. When asked about any team goals being accomplished early on, Coach Joe Ballone left it candid. He stated, “My #1 goal for the start of the season was for the athletes to show every day, stay healthier than last year when it comes to shin splints, get in better early shape as a result of the new treadmills and to get as many kids capable of participating in track as possible. I’ll give the team a C- on participation, B+ on staying healthy, A on getting in shape through the new treadmill workouts, and a C on participation.”
Coach Ballone also added that if you go to practice consistently and work hard you will be prepared to be successful. When reflecting on goals or changes for the second half of the season, Coach Ballone said, “New goals are to increase the intensity of the workouts as the kids get in better shape. Fine tune starts, hand-offs and running form. Soon the event structure will come together and team goals will get set once the overall health of the athletes is determined.” Coach Ballone concluded with his hopes to see the kids continue to grow and get better as the season progresses.
Lowellville has a large track team with many talented athletes. Student-athlete Drew Modelski stated, “We have a good 4x400 team that has potential to make it to state, and our 4x200 team has potential to break another school record.”
Track is a tough sport. You have to be in peak physical condition all season long. Drew Modelski said, “You really need to work hard in order to keep up with the competition. Lots of endurance work is needed to stay in shape all season.”
Good luck to all of the track and field athletes and we look forward to a great season!
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