Hopeful track team pushes for perfection
Girls' varsity track prepares for their next game against Norfolk on April 23. Track is my passion,” said Wagemann. (Photo by Joan Sanders)
The Millard West girls’ varsity track is continuing on with their winning streak 5-0. The varsity girls’ track will be participating in Norfolk’s co-ed invitational meet this upcoming Friday, April, 23rd at 2:00 p.m. in Norfolk.
Varsity girls’ track recently attended their fifth meet last Thursday, April 15th. The track meet was held at Millard South. Omaha Central’s Invite running events began at 4:00 p.m.
The co-ed meet was won by Millard West receiving 120 points rising above the second place winner, Omaha North with only 91 points.
Just six days prior to West’s victory at the invitational, the girls’ varsity track team took the first place title at the Millard South invite. The meet scheduled at Burke High School started at 3:00 p.m.
West received 125.5 points, enough to beat the school placing second, Omaha Central with 81 points.
There are some preparations that the varsity girls do to ready themselves for every meet.
Seth Turman, head coach of the girls varsity track claims he doesn’t force his athletes to do certain things before meets but encourages them take care of their bodies.
“They usually have pasta feeds,” said Turman. Pasta is a good source of carbohydrates and gives them energy for their runs. Along with the health side of the pasta feed, it gives the girls a chance to spend time together and bond.
“I make sure to go to bed early the night before a meet, stay away from soda or any unhealthy food,” said Sara Brandt,17, a varsity runner. Brandt runs the open four, open eight, 4×4, 4×8 and any other relays she gets put into.
Along with eating right and getting enough sleep, the athletes attend multiple practices throughout the week.
“We lift weights, run, and do lots of core work,” said Turman.
Doing all of this helps to prepare them as much as possible. “Our practices go Monday through Saturday,” said Brandt.
Even though they do so much to ready themselves for each meet, some things can get in the way.
Now, with the recent change from snow and rain to sunny days, there’s an overall improvement in each runner.
“It definitely has an impact on how well they perform; the warmer the weather, the better they seem to run,” said Turman.
There doesn’t seem to be a big rival team according to the coach. “There aren’t certain (rival) schools, it’s all equal competition,” said Turman.
Brandt, however, sees it differently. “Millard South is one of my personal rivals because I know a few of their girls, they’re really good,” said Brandt.
Even with all the preparations being done and the weather, some runners still worry about their performances.
Anna Wagemann is one of them. Freshman Wagemann, varsity, had many things to think about at the beginning of the season.
“Before track season started everyone told me I would make varsity, I just wasn’t expecting it,” said Wagemann.
Wagemann competes in the 100, 200, 400, and long jump events. “I’ve been doing pretty well so far this season, and it’s only the beginning,” said Wagemann.
“It doesn’t matter what team I’m running for (varsity or JV) or when I’m running, it’s all about how well I do. Track is my passion,” said Wagemann.
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