The School Newspaper of University City High School

U-Times

The School Newspaper of University City High School

U-Times

The School Newspaper of University City High School

U-Times

Track aspires to consecutive State victories

It is only the second day of the season, and track & field is already in full swing. Coach Armstrong sends the sprinters out onto the track for some beginning strides. The distance runners head out for a two-mile warm-up. Head Coach Keller directs runners on their warm-up laps, which he demonstrates by twisting his body in a kinetic stretching exercise while simultaneously answering questions and dealing with injured players. After the boys’ team won first place in the District and State competitions last season, everyone is frantic to continue to build a tradition of success.
After leading the team to championships last season, Coach Keller says there isn’t much more for U. City to build on.
“The boys won state, which is kind of hard to improve on,” said Keller. “But we’re trying to have everyone improve. Our girls were second in Districts and our guys won Districts, so we’re looking for something in that area again.”
Coach Gatewood, head of the field events, hopes to see more medals on the grass this year.
“We have to step our level up,” said Gatewood. “Right now, we don’t know. I haven’t seen anybody’s growth yet.”
Gatewood mentions that many of his players are new to the sport, so it’s hard to judge how the season will turn out. Coach Keller agrees.
“We lost some really good people who were major contributors, [but] every year we’ll have somebody come out who didn’t come out last year.”
For the distance runners, the season looks bittersweet. According to Coach Crowe, junior Claire Hulett and sophomore Eliana Hudson have a chance at State. The boys’ team will most likely not bring in any wins due to the loss of senior David Lambus, who contributed 20 points in the 2010 championship with a first place medal in the 1600 meter.
“We’re going to have to rebuild,” said Crowe. “They all ran cross country but they don’t have any experience at track. It’s a whole new ballgame for them.”
However, the majority of the placers at last year’s State meet are still on the team. Senior Darion Boure, who placed third in the long jump at State last year, is returning for the 2011 season. Juniors Nelson Atkins, Quartez Couzart and Jamour Kaid , who placed in the 200x and 400x relay races last year, are returning as well.
The team’s first meet at Rockwood Summit was an informal, unscored event. U. City will be hosting the Charlie Beck Invitational track meet on April 9, where hundreds of atheletes will compete.

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The School Newspaper of University City High School
Track aspires to consecutive State victories