On your mark, get set, go! This is saying is all too common in the life of a runner. If you have ever watched a track meet, you probably recall hearing this phrase followed by a gunshot and the sound of feet stomping.

The Issaquah High School track team is made up of almost 200 kids. This number soars above previous years and is the most athletes the team has had in the last decade. Whether it is your competitiveness or the PE credit you get for doing track, it is a sport that everyone is encouraged to do. There are so many different events that you can compete in. Sophomore Nolan Crist says, “[I run the] 100, 200, 4×100 meter relay, and the 4×400 meter relay because they were the events I was naturally the best at and I didn’t want to run long distance.” On the other hand, senior Luke George says, “I run the 400, 800, and 1600 because over the years I have found myself more of a middle distance runner. It is my speciality.” Then, there are people like junior Simon Treppenhauer who compete in both throws and sprints. Treppenhauer says, “I do the javelin, shot put, and 100 because I knew I could throw far from middle school, and I just started recently started running for football.” So, no matter who you are, you are bound to find an event that will be great for you, whether that is sprinting, hurdling, pole vaulting, jumping, distance running, or throwing.

Track is also a good way to stay involved in the school and meet new friends, while also getting in a good workout each day. Treppenhauer says, “[My favorite part about track is] it is very [relaxed] compared to football. Also the friends, and how it is kind of a personal competition.” Junior Kelsey McGowen says, “[My favorite part of track is] being able to train with my friends.” Having good friends around to workout with you makes it a lot more enjoyable. But, even without the friends, getting a workout every day at track has some unquestionable benefits. According to an online health page, Health Fitness Revolution, “Runners typically report being happier and feeling less stressed than their counterparts who do not run or exercise regularly. Running actually has the ability to alter an individual’s moods because endorphins are released while running. These hormones create a sense of euphoria often referred to as a runner’s high and can result in an improvement in the runner’s mood. The act of running allows the individual to focus on the task at hand instead of being worried or stressed about work, family or other stressors. Additionally, running can be very challenging on the body which can result in the individual feeling a sense of accomplishment by completing the run which shifts the focus of his attention from negative stressors to a sense of pride and accomplishment.”

If you are wondering what track athletes do at practice each day, you can get a little inside look from freshman sprinter and hurdler Matt Wilkinson who says, “I warm up really well, then do a workout, then practice hurdles.” On the distance running side, freshman Julia David-Smith says, “I do either a seven mile run or an interval workout on the track.” Treppenhauer says, “[We do] technique work 24/7, weights at track, and a lot of stretching.” Each of these things help best prepare each person to compete their best at each meet and build up to peak (or do their personal best) in their event at KingCo or State.

For the past few years, the boys’ track team and the girls’ track team have been quite successful. There have been some outstanding individual accomplishments and team accomplishments. The girls’ team has been KingCo champs the past three years and they were also State champions in 2015 and 2016. The boys’ team was runner-up in KingCo last year as well. The team is optimistic about this year also. George says, “The boys’ team and girls’ team are doing super well this year! I think the boys’ team and girls’ team could be KingCo champs.” Crist adds, “The team is looking solid. We have several freshman competing with the experienced seniors, along with some talented juniors and sophomores.”

None of the things that the boys’ and girls’ track teams have achieved could have been done without the wonderful coaching staff. At Issaquah High School, we have great coaches for each event and the athletes cannot express their gratitude for the time these coaches take out of their daily life to help each and every athlete succeed and reach their goals. If you have had bad experiences with coaches in other sports, I can guarantee that will not be the case at track. Distance coach Gwen Robertson even won “USTFCCCA High School Washington State Coach of the Year” and “2017 Brooks Inspiring Coach of the Year,” which is only awarded to two coaches across the country. Senior Lauren Haas speaks highly of Robertson and says, “Gwen has taught me numerous things but most importantly she has showed me the importance of sucking it up and never giving up.”

If you have not quite found a sport you fit into yet or you have ever considered doing track, I would definitely recommend it. Track is a great opportunity to try out different events, stay in shape, make friends and be coached by amazing people.