I’ve had dozens of inquiries about shin splints, hamstring injuries, and generally injury-prone sprint groups in this, our first pandemic track season.
The view from 30,000 feet... “Why does this surprise us?”
Contributing factors (thread)
⬇️
Finally have the full team back a lot of wind = 💨 💨
2 freshmen tied for best freshman fly 10s EVER - first timed runs ever - Tucker Murphy and Neill Thompson are going to forge an exciting friendly rivalry!
To the times
We are officially official now and for the first and probably last time ever, Illinois track season kicked off with 80 degrees and sun - the kids were ready!!
Boys leaders - 40s:
Josh Merz 4.50 - Luke Merz 4.63 - Riley Smith 4.89
Fly 10s:
J Merz 1.02 ⚡️⚡️- L Merz 1.06🔥🔥 - Smith 1.12
Brothers going to battle at the top of the lists!!
What I find most exciting from day one is that I spent as much time after the running talking to kids 1-1 about what they can do to get better. Most of the conversations were athlete led! It’s a weird year, but the kids haven’t changed - they want to compete, improve ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Ella’s favorite memories include PRing at state and qualifying for finals during her sophomore year. Ella plans on attending @MurrayStateXCTF and continuing her athletic career for the Racers! Best of luck Ella, can’t wait to see you compete at the next level!
@ESiebenberger is our first senior to recognize. Ella was a fierce competitor at the pole vault pit and had some wheels when we could convince her to run. She had hopes of battling for a school record and state podium this year.
Jade’s favorite memory was tough to sum up: “I don’t think I can quite pin point one moment... Everyday was constant love and happiness from everyone involved in the program. I think that’s why I enjoyed it so much and was so heartbroken when it was taken away from me.”