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There are some images of track
of which I never get tired. Here are a few.
- The team practicing their pre-meet rituals. It is a blend
of upperclassmen trying to get a point across and first-timers trying to understand.
This is where passing the torch onto the next generation really begins.
- Freshman trying out new spikes. They’re both tentative
and excited. It is a bond between athlete and equipment. Some have even been
known to kiss their shoes before running.
- Sprinters stepping into blocks for the first time. It is
almost like rocket science – or calculus. They know they have to do
it but have no idea where to begin. Their first efforts can be anywhere from
falling on their face to standing straight up. But it’s the first step
and before you know it they are firing out of the blocks with that familiar
rattle that lets you know they’re putting everything into it.
- The upperclassmen passing hints on to younger runners. Just
a few years ago they were tentative and introverted. Today they step forward
and give freely to the next generation. They are young women who have learned
the lessons and now are the teachers. There is no concern about whether this
new upstart has the talent to beat them. They are more concerned with the
success of the team. Whenever I see this occur I get renewed faith in the
future – not only of the team, but of a group of women who have learned
that the success of others should be celebrated.
- Sixty people doing drill work. Practice productivity at
its best. No wonder some coaches fel that if there was only one thing they
could do in a day of practice it would be drill work. It is a matter of faith.
It can be tedious and repetitive but those believe in it become better. Anyone
can go though the motions but those who truly put effort into them will reap
the rewards of positive ingrained patterns. Ask drill masters such as Tara
Reese (jav-130+), Vanessa Megna (3 event league champ) and Karen Pearce (indoor
and outdoor state hurdle records) whose dedication to detail brought them
success none could have predicted.
- Time trials through snowflakes. Adversity comes in many
forms. A common one is weather. When the snow starts to fall some are quick
to seek shelter. Others are willing to continue to plug along. These are the
ones who will be able to recover from the bad days. And everyone will have
bad days. Those who can accept them and go on are a little tougher. When conditions
aren’t perfect they are even happier because they know it gives them
an edge.
- Athletes who hang around for just one more story. North
Attleboro track is built on history. The success of today is possible only
because of the lessons learned from the past. Coaches find out what has worked
best and if similar situations they repeat what has worked. Younger athletes
listen to what made others great and apply it to their own situation. When
an athlete cares about what a Melody Johnson, Jennifer Copley, Emily Estey
or Cheryl Lyons did, it is because they too want to rise to that level of
success. Every story holds a lesson and the acquisition of that lesson can
make one better.
There are many more. Do any
of you have a favorite snapshot of track? If you have a favorite part
of track let me know. I’ll include it on this site. Whether you are a
coach, athlete or parent, your views are welcome. You don't have to be from
North Attleboro. Share your favorite moments with us whether you are from Franklin,
Dennis-Yarmouth or Notre Dame-Hingham. E-mail me at northrunning@yahoo.com