On Your Mark, Get Set…

The+track+coaches%2C+from+left+to+right%2C+Coach+Readingher%2C+Coach+Salen%2C+Coach+Gradwell%2C+Coach+Herring%2C+and+Coach+Daubert%2C+speaking+to+the+2019+track+and+field+athletes+about+their+expectations.

Keith Koppenhaver

The track coaches, from left to right, Coach Readingher, Coach Salen, Coach Gradwell, Coach Herring, and Coach Daubert, speaking to the 2019 track and field athletes about their expectations.

Keith Koppenhaver, Associate Photo Correspondant

As Track and Field season is approaching very quickly, the Cardinals athletes look forward to one of their favorite seasons. Track has different areas that athletes can excel in. These events include: short and long distance running, hurdles, high and long jump are the track events coached by Mrs. Daubert and Mr. Gradwell. The Field events, being discus, javelin, and shot put, are coached by Mr. Herring and Mr. Salen.

The outlook for the Cardinals season is very high. Many of the athletes have personal goals to reach districts or even states. “I think we are going to have an uphill battle when it comes into the individual meets, but we have a number of competitors that can excel when it comes to the postseason,” said Mr. Herring, one of the two throwing coaches. Having only a few athletes being state qualifiers in the past seasons, the Cardinals would like have more athletes qualify for states. Many athletes have the potential this year to make District XI qualification and even state qualifications. “It would be great for me personally to make states and our school to be recognized for our accomplishments and our hard work we put in,” said Ricky Newcomer, junior.

Many of the Cardinal Track and Field athletes are returning again this season, but many new athletes are signing up to participate in one or more of these events. With the coaches help, many athletes will see which event fits their skill set best to help the team win. The athletes will put their skills to work at their first meet Wednesday, March 27 of the season at Tamaqua.