Track
All are welcome to join the track team. Contact Coach Ben Tampas at btampas(at)hotmail.com for more information. There is something for everyone! There’s a total of 17 events. Here are some details from Coach Tampas:
FIELD EVENTS
Discus
High Jump
Pole Vault
Long Jump
Shot Put
RUNNING EVENTS
3200 M Relay
100/110 M Hurdles
100 M Dash
800 M Relay
1600 M Run
400 M Relay
400 M Dash
300 M Hurdles
800 M Run
200 M Dash
3200 M Run
1600 M Relay
On odd years, girls' events are first
On even years, boys' events are first
|
100 M, 200 M |
Sprints: Full speed the whole way |
For explosive and fast-twitch runners. |
|
400 M, 800 M |
Middle Distance: A combination of speed and endurance |
While some runners specialize in middle distance, these competitive events often feature a mix of sprinters and distance runners. |
|
Mile, 2 Mile |
Distance Events: Endurance events requiring maintaining a steady pace over long distances |
For highly conditioned runners who can maintain speed over long periods. Strategy is important, as is mental toughness. These races often come down to an exciting “kick” at the end. |
|
100, 110, 300 Hurdles |
Hurdle Events: High speed races over obstacles |
Sprinting ability mixed with flexibility, balance and coordination. Technique is very important, as the goal is to slow down as little as possible while leaping over evenly spaced barriers. |
|
High Jump, Long Jump |
Jumping Events: Contests testing who can clear the highest barrier, or jump the farthest |
Explosiveness mixed with flexibility, timing, balance, and coordination. Technique often surpasses pure athletic ability, but a combination of the two is ideal. |
|
Shot Put , Discus |
Throwing Events: Testing who can heave a solid ball (shot) or weighted disc the farthest |
Although strength goes a long way here, again technique is needed to coordinate the power. Balance, quickness, and timing are key. |
|
4 x 100 4 x 200 4 x 400 4 x 800 |
Relay Events: 4 runners each run an equal leg and pass the baton from one runner to the next |
Relays are fun. Being trusted to do your job, and trusting others to do theirs is what teamwork is all about. From the vitally important coordination of handoffs in the 4 x 100, to pushing yourself, both for yourself and for teammates in the 4 x 400 and 4 x 800. Relays can be the most exciting and memorable events. |
|
Pole Vault |
Vaulting: Racing down a runway before jabbing a long pole in the ground and flinging your body over a bar high in the air, before falling back on a big pillowy cushion |
For Dare-Devils. Speed, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination must combine with being utterly fearless, and potentially nuts. Thrilling to watch, and probably fun to do…but Yeesh! |
WITH A SMALL SCHOOL, EVERY ATHLETE IS IMPORTANT!
Not everyone is going to be 1 of the 4 fastest in the school and be on a high profile relay, but every athlete will contribute, and eventually will even get a relay chance. Things happen. Someone will be out of town, sick, or injured, sometimes injured with 10 minutes left in the meet, and eventually everyone gets a chance to participate in a relay and score points for the team. I’ve asked everyone on the roster to jump into a relay at some point. Some athletes aren't comfortable running, which is OK, too, but most think it’s fun to jump in and compete.
IF YOU’RE UNSURE OF YOUR ABILITIES, GIVE US A CHANCE TO HELP DEVELOP THEM!
Between Head Coach Ben Tampas, and Assistant Coaches Noel Hanson and Dar Eakin, there is over 60 years of Track and Field experience! We know what it takes to develop technique, as well as the strength, balance, and coordination it takes to improve in each event. If ANYONE shows up, works hard, and listens, they will improve. I’ve heard people say “you can’t teach speed.” I disagree, because it is absolutely possible. It’s simply a combination of improving flexibility, improving form running technique, improving strength, and improving conditioning levels.
YOU GET TO MISS SCHOOL!
There are trips to Marquette, Bessemer, Wakefield, and Republic-Michigamme regularly on the schedule. You get to hang out with your friends in the sunshine instead of sitting in a classroom. Plus, you get to meet a lot of new people from other schools.
DON’T FORGET WHAT TRACK CAN DO FOR YOU!
Track is a great opportunity to get in shape for other sports. Being fit and conditioned, and being faster and able to jump higher are all qualities that make you a better athlete for all sports. And if other sports aren’t your thing, just getting in shape for the summer is always a bonus.
