As the 2026 track season approaches very quickly, coaches and athletes are preparing for what challenges and preparation come throughout all sports. Track and field holds an variety of different running and field events like various lengths in sprinting and distance running, throwing shot put and disc, high and long jumping, relays, and don’t  forget pole vault. This gives many athletes the choice of what they want to do and there is something for everyone.

Even throughout the cold, athletes have to prepare for their sport. Students and athletes are lucky that they have the accommodation of the weight room and gyms on the Lakeview campus so they don’t have to freeze during their practice. It takes great strength and endurance when it comes to having to condition in the cold. Hopefully there will be warmer weather soon so Lakeview’s runners can take their performing efforts outdoors.

The girl’s track and field team started February 24 in the weight room, many female athletes express what they are looking forwarded to and what they hope to achieve in the next couple of weeks. Freshman Anabella Cook speaks about what she hopes to achieve by the end of the season, “I want to do better than I did in the last two years and finally go to invitationals.”

Invitationals involve the best of best and limits the amount of athletes that can compete for all the events. It is a great achievement for people who get to participate especially when it’s someone who normally isn’t chosen. Some people are just happy to be able to do one event. It shows that someone trying their absolute best and showing it on the track can go compete with people from different schools that have similar times and distance. People also get to compete with schools that the track teams normally don’t compete with.

Running, in general, is a mental game. Athletes have to keep pushing even when they are tired or their legs start to burn during a race. The best feeling is pushing yourself to do the best and seeing results at the end of the day. It’s the accomplishment that by doing something that is mentally and physically challenging and excelling in it. It’s also important to remember where the breaking point is so pushing yourself wouldn’t cause injuries or other complications.

There is so many options when competing in track. There is so much variety in activities that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Many people want to do better in their events and explore out and try something new. Besides the addition of the pole vault for high school track, all the rest of the activities are the same. Freshman Savanna Seaman plans on trying some new events that she didn’t do for junior high track and field and she talks about her goals for this season, “To be a better thrower and may be run.” 

Getting a personal record on an event is a big deal even if it is just a second or two. It shows that an athlete is progressing and getting better over time. The goal is to get better over time and not get stuck at the same time every time. It also fun to see how others on the team are doing and how the team is doing overall. There is a lot to be excited about each season. Cook states what she is excited about, “Getting to know everyone and the meets.”

Having a new team is a big change but it is also exciting to see how the team works together and builds strength to beat challenges. Other athletes on the track team are also excited for this season. Seaman speaks on what she is ecstatic to do this season, “Having a new team and doing better then last year.”

Other than just the athletes and competing, there are other opportunities for students. Many Lakeview students help out at any sporting events and people appreciate it a lot. Students can help set up hurdlers, work at the concession stand, and much more! This is a good way to help out and for any freshman, sophomore, or junior to gain community service hours.

Anyone from the community or student body can come to track meets to watch and have fun while cheering on Lakeview athletes. Full bleachers is the goal for everyone and a loud student section. Lakeview track athletes are grateful when people show up and even more at away meets.

Track athletes, get ready to show up and run!