Track athletes invest through commitment to reap benefits of leadership, camaraderie

As the flowers and trees start to blossom, so too do track and field athletes, a wide and varied collection of skills and events appropriate for a spring season of rebirth. Whether seeking to break a school record, be an athletic powerhouse, or just wanting to be a part of a team, the sport offers a broad array of experiences. 

Junior Sydnee Nelson, the 2024 100m state hurdle champion, recognizes the benefits of the environment of track and field. 

“Join track because even if you are not good at it, it’ll help you prepare for other sports and just overall be a better athlete,” she said.

Junior Clark Howell, who also made it to indoor state in the triple jump, also appreciates the cross training element.

“It’s really fun if you put some effort in,” he said. “It really gets you into a good athletic shape for any other sports.”

The supportive environment of track and field can also be an important reason why athletes succeed in their events. The environments that athletes surround themselves with can help build self-esteem and encourage open communication which can lead to an overall higher performance for their events.

Girls Head Coach Nicole Fischer understands the importance of visualization and the supportive environment that track has.

“There’s also a team aspect of the sport,” she said. “You can also set team goals and work together with your teammates to achieve those goals.”

Sophomore Owen Heim recognizes the supportive climate that track and field has to offer.

“I like to give them some motivation before the race,” he said. “I tell them that they’re good enough to be here and give some encouragement.”

Leadership is another extremely important aspect of any sport, one that can help mold a team into what it wants to be. Most sports, such as football, soccer, basketball, require leaders to stand up and guide their team. Track and field is no different; not only does it provide the opportunity to develop various athletic skills, but it also builds the leadership and mentality that every athlete should have. 

Nelson knows leadership can influence others to be more successful. 

“Before a race, I always try to ask my teammates how they’re feeling,” she said. “And if they’re feeling a little worried or concerned about the race, I try to talk about it, help them visualize it and really just be a supportive leader for all of them.”

Fischer faces similar challenges after every season.

“Another challenge has been every year that seniors graduate, freshmen always come in and replace them,” she said. “But athletes need to re-teach each other and learn how to be a leader and replace those leaders.”

Being able to visualize is another factor that athletes often overlook. Oftentimes, picturing exactly what they will do helps athletes prepare for how the event will feel and enhance their confidence and focus without any physical practice. 

Fischer agrees with the importance of visualization in preparing athletes for events.

“Athletes can visualize their race and create a race plane for short events, or for long events. One thing that you can do when you get to the meet is that you can learn how to manage nerves,” she said. “Set a goal and then have a positive image of yourself crossing the finish line.”

People often misunderstand track and field as a sport with just running or the natural born talents

dominating the sport. However, what people don’t realize is the hard work and dedication that the track athletes put in, in order to perform and compete at the best level. Fischer corrects that misconception and tries to recognize the hard work of athletes.

“People should join track because in track there is an event for everybody, for any type of athlete, whether you’re an endurance athlete, a power athlete, a speed athlete, there’s all different events,” she said, “and there’s an even foe, you, because it’s individual, so you can set individual goals for yourself and then continually work towards achieving them.”

by Mark Jung

Published April 28th, 2025

Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue VII