Track has always been a very eventful and inclusive spring sport, this year being no exception. Despite COVID-19, preseason practices and training are still taking place in preparation for this spring. With the loss of last year’s spring season, a new drive is in athletes and coaches. 

John Oshel has stepped into the place of head track coach this year. This will be his 18th coaching track and field. Oshel specializes in throws, including shot put, javelin, and discus. Previously Brad Nicks was a head track coach for 20 years, but Oshel was next to him modeling the track and field program. 

“We will have a few new coaches join the staff this year, both on the track and in the field events,” Oshel said. “I think that if we continue to follow the set guidelines then we should be able to have a great spring.”

With coaches, student-athletes, and parents having a better understanding of the COVID-19 protocol during high school athletics, spring season goals are ready to be accomplished. 

“Our goal has always been to have the athletes have personal success in the events they are competing in whether it be JV or varsity,” Oshel said. “As far as team goals go we always want to try to place at those meats we compete in especially at our league and regional meet. It’s always nice to have athletes qualify for the state meet.” 

Although spring health guidelines haven’t been released yet, there is a drive to compete again and a hope that everything will work itself out. 

“We lost some great coaches to other positions in the state and they will be hard to replace,” assistant track coach Andrew Bassett said. “I have full faith in Coach Oshel to find good people for those positions.”