Indoor track, the middle child literally and figuratively of the running sports. With cross country in the fall and outdoor track in the spring, indoor track is often forgotten and not taken as seriously, but some seriously good runners and throwers participate and deserve some recognition. This season we worked are way up to a solid 4×800 of Leah Magda, Lexie Blodinakar, Emily Maury, and Ava Huffman, Hunter Mann continued his reign as throwing champ, Claire Bauman has remained a strong thrower, and we have many more fantastic athletes on the team.

Our running raiders are now preparing for states and I wanted to find out what it takes to be a state runner,

LTV: What is important when preparing for a big meet? How are you feeling about this past season?

“It is important to stay strong and trust your training. This season has been really promising and I/We are looking forward to performing at the state level!” Emily Maury

“It is important to remember why you started here and remember how much training you have truly put in. This season like every has its ups and downs but the consistency of this relay you can never doubt. Going into states we have full trust in one another to perform the best we can and that’s all we can ask.” Ava Huffman

“The most important thing is being in the right state of mind. You must be calm and tranquil to perform well. I have been feeling great about this senior season, I can’t wait to take home gold from states.” Hunter Mann

As you can see mindset is extremely important to the success of these runners, as well as consistent training. Being able to put your all into the training and focusing on keeping yourself healthy mentally and physically is key to being a strong, top tier athlete. As I’ve watched these athletes perform and seen them coming off the track, they are always sweating hard and have clearly put their all into the run as they practically drop to the ground with exhaustion. Even when they aren’t feeling confident after the race they don’t show it during, they run as hard as they can and let their emotions go afterwards never letting it faze them.

Another reason for their exceptional races other than hard work and pure talent is of course their coaches. From Coach Superior always supporting and encouraging people around the turn on their sprints; Coach Broom making people laugh while also making sure they are eating and staying healthy and prepared for their race; Coach Imhof who always has the splits and is there to lend a kind hug when needed; Coach Foianini our dedicated throwing coach who always supports our throwers and has such a good bond with them; and last but certainly not least Coach Snyder, who is really the glue of all the groups. He is such a brilliant coach who balances discipline, inspirational advice, and a bit of dry humor/sarcasm to keep the runners on their toes and ready. Coach Snyder has a lot of experience considering he has been coaching and teaching for 26 years, he knows just what to say to get these athletes to listen, be diligent, and also, occasionally, have some fun.

I talked with Snyder to get a feel for how he believes he creates a rapport and how he feels about his top runners:

LTV: What do you feel makes you a good coach? What ways do you find to bond and also gain respect from the athletes?

CS: Knowledgeable, I enjoy the sport and try to show that joy in practice by example. By treating them with respect and getting to know them and not taking anything too seriously.

LTV: What do you think sets the state athletes or even those who move on from regular season to SMAC and Regionals apart?

CS: Dedication, persistence, and a positive mindset.

So from both the athletes and coaches indoor track is all about mindset and grindset, making sure that they stay on top of things even in the frigid weather. Because for a sport called indoor track most of their training consists of being outside running around a track or around the school, even when there is ice and snow, even when a day starts with the sun glaring and ends with hail and weird freezing rain. These athletes have an amazing amount of integrity and grit that is exemplified every time they hit the track and even off when supporting their teammates and friends. So congratulations to all the athletes who participated, and good luck to those going to States, GO RAIDERS!