The upcoming season for Yuba’s track and field team promises to be an exciting and eventful one. Over 30 athletes are on the 49ers team roster, which is a very decent amount. The majority of the team members are sprinters, with a few middle-distance runners and several field players.
“We’re working on building up the numbers on our team,” said head coach Bob Miller. “Our goal is to eventually have a team of 50 to 60.”
Many of the athletes on the team this year have been recruited from the fall sports such as football and basketball. Coach Miller strongly encourages his players to participate in some sport every semester.
“Having then do track in the spring is great training for their fall sport,” said Miller. “It keeps the consistently strong and in-shape. We like our players to do both and almost insist that they do.”
Coach Miller has great hopes that several of his athletes will qualify for the State meet in May.
“Lawrence Wright has a good chance of qualifying for States in the triple long jump and high jump,” he said, “and Gavina Avila will most likely make it in the javelin throw.”
The 4×100 meter men’s relay is also a popular event that has potential this year. According to Miller, there are already 8 runners vying for the relay positions. He believes that with Yuba’s sprinting talent this year, making the State meet is a high possibility.
The main points that Coach Miller is focusing on during the season’s training period are quick foot speed and technique.
“Everything is about foot speed in this sport,” said Miller. “So that’s what we focus on improving.”
Overall, good things are expected from the 49ers throughout the season. Their first meet is a Rotational Meet in Modesto on Friday, February 20.
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