Spring is back, and with that, so are the constant weather changes, the unexpected snow, and the obnoxious downpours. But, spring also brings the sassy sport of track & field! The Lewis Cass Lady Kings Track & Field team is bigger and better than ever this year. This year, the team has the largest roster yet, consisting of 40 girls who are ready to put in the hard work needed for success. 

     Practices have already begun, and the coaches this year have decided to run things a little differently from previous years. At the beginning of each practice, both runners and throwers warm up together with typically one lap around the track followed by stretching. Since the weather is very unpredictable in the early season, practice is often held indoors. Indoor practices look a little different. We start by stretching as a team, followed by some sort of speed exercises which include the whole team as well. After the warm-ups, each group (distance runners, throwers, and sprinters) split up and complete their workouts. At around 4:30, the coaches have made a time slot to get back together and complete a lift in the weight room to end practice at 5:15. Throwing coach, Coach Sipe says that compared to last year, she believes running more and lifting in the weight room consistently will help prepare the girls by making them stronger and faster in the ring, which will increase the power and distance of each throw. 

     Preparing for 2025 looks very different for many people, starting with Coach (Megan) Mannering. Coach Mannering has a pretty tough job of balancing family life and sport life, but she continues to do it flawlessly. Mannering says, “I have prepared by setting up practices, planning our different events, and considering our schedule.  We are adding a few new things and changing some things up, as I do every year based on our team.” Junior runner, Aftin Griffin says she has been preparing in the off season as much as she could. Going straight from basketball to track season, she found ways to get her runs in. Griffin said she often went home after basketball practice and ran a mile on her treadmill to keep in running shape. 

      This team is fortunate enough to gain another amazing coach this spring, Coach Kelsey Sheffer. Kelsey is a former athlete and record holder at Lewis Cass. She was asked what she is looking forward to most this season and her response was “I’m most looking forward to simply getting to know all the girls.” She shares that she is excited to be able to learn about parts of each athlete’s life and getting to see what skills they have on and off the track. To coach Sheffer, building relationships and trust with each of them is one of the most important parts of being a coach. She plans to expand her knowledge of the girls that sprint, as that was her specialty in high school. Kelsey also mentioned she will be sharing these skills with the high jumpers and long jumpers as well. The team is grateful to have her this year in hopes that she has an enjoyable experience coaching this big group of girls.

     Speaking of experiences, senior Mylie Sipe was asked what her favorite memories from track are, she says, “My favorite memory from track season is cheering on the runners and talking to other teams after throwing is done.” Making memories on a track team is one of the easiest things to do. Track is a sport that is very inclusive. It has an event for everyone, which is good for people who just join to be with friends, and they end up actually enjoying it and sticking with the sport for a while. Describing a track meet is basically like describing a big hangout with a bunch of people from your school, along with a couple of other schools as well. Participating in track throughout your high school career, you tend to make friendships over time. These friendships include ones with athletes from other schools who participate in the same events as you, or someone from your school who you might not have talked to much before. Being part of rack & field is a very unique and challenging experience, most people might overlook.

     All in all, the Lady Kings will take on, yet another, amazing track season in 2025. With the addition of a new coach and freshmen class, the team will be successful in many ways. Track & field is a very competitive sport, and choosing to join it is an exciting choice that comes with many positives. Good luck to all athletes on the team and wishing for a successful season!