Track and Field, Minus the Field

Running+shoes+that+have+gone+unused+since+last+spring+before+we+went+remote.+

Photo by Jack Wyne

Running shoes that have gone unused since last spring before we went remote.

Jack Wyne, Staff Writer

Track and field is a core sport for many high schools, and the same can be said for LFA. However, changes have been made this year that take away from the typical track and field experience. These changes heavily impact the field portion rather than that of the track. These changes and their impacts vary depending on those who are affected, if affected at all.

Ted Golota, Head Coach for Track,  discussed the matter saying, “We are just hoping to get a good season out of the time we’ve been given, but have our own fears for what’s to come and how we will handle it… We look forward to the season ahead, but many details are still uncertain about how we will run things”. 

Upon later questioning about the changes that may differ between track and field, Golota stated, “Track will remain mostly unchanged with how we operate, we may need to compromise with distance or the number of meets we have. On the other hand, the field is almost non-existent, we will still be having some events but without a few options that we would have before.” Track will not be completely taken away, but severely limited in terms of available events.

 Stephanie Ramirez, Assistant Coach for long distance track, had some similar input. She said, “I share similar concerns with the other coaches about the future of what events we are able to have… In my opinion, we should regulate how we start and end meets as I believe runners won’t be required to wear masks during the race. Additionally, such regulations should be enacted so we don’t have runners breathing in a funneled or enclosed area without masks.” 

Ramirez also shared a concern about how the transitions may be too steep so that it would not allow enough time for new or returning runners. She added, “I do not doubt that we will have very capable runners this year, but I’m afraid that the short transition times between Spring and Summer won’t be enough for new or returning runners to prepare for the season. We can only hope that some, if not all, have been able to prepare to some extent.” 

Ramirez also touched on the lack of knowledge at hand for plans as we have been focusing on one season at a time. Despite this, it is still a little early to wonder about next season as there is still time for planning and thinking on the subject.

Overall, track and field will not be the same this year, as most sports haven’t been, yet we are still hopeful for the Summer season and what may come with it. Even if we do not know what we are capable of yet, we can still prepare for what we think is to come.