Oftentimes girls’ track gets overlooked, however, there is so much work that goes into it. From runners, either sprinting or distance, to field events like throwing, the PCH track and field team shows up to practices and meets giving their all and supporting each other. Coming off of a season winning both conference and districts, track and field is committed and motivated to make this season one to remember.
Senior Lila Solomon started track just this year, although she has done cross country previously, and feels she has found her niche.
“I feel like I finally found the sport that I love, and I really enjoy doing track,” Solomon said.
Since this is her last year at Parkway Central, Lila reflects on her track experience, albeit short, she still had a great time.
“My favorite memories are honestly the meets, like even if I wasn’t in an event, just cheering other people on was a great vibe,” said Solomon.
Thrower and sprinter Lily Morales has done track and field all four years. Morales enjoys the environment at both practices and meets because of the great team chemistry.
“People are so supportive even if you’re not in the same event as other people,” Morales said. “We are able to joke around with each other and we have such a welcoming and caring group.”
Junior Rachel Vance moved here this year from Utah, and has already found a great community of girls through track and field. In addition, the coaches have been very supportive and helped her to reach her full potential.
“The coaches know so much and it’s super cool to learn so many more things with new coach experience than I’ve had before,” Vance said. “It’s hard having to break down my technique more, but it’s ultimately been good and has taught me more.”
When it comes to Head Track Coach Ryan Banta he is no stranger to the world of track and field. He has been coaching for 15 years, which is no small feat. He explains his motivations for investing in such a career for so long.
“I was determined to raise the level of expectations of what it meant to be a powerful and impressive female athlete. Consistency isn’t easy, but I want us to be unique in our sustained success and relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Banta.
Now with a newfound passion, Lila has plenty to think about when it comes to college and her future.
“I’m not fully committed anywhere, but I think my plan is to try to walk-on to the Arizona cross country or track team,” Solomon said. “And if I don’t make it, I will do club for them.”
Despite all the things she loves and appreciates about track, it still comes with its fair share of challenges.
“For me, it’s definitely the mental state because with the longer races, like the mile, I just need to focus on breaking 5:30, and just getting that in my head,” Solomon said.
Ben Silvermintz, the head coach for girls distance track, knows all too well about the mental state, and what can prevent athletes from getting where they want to be.
“They have performance anxiety. Everyone runs on different levels of nerves, so it’s learning how to handle that because most people have two or three races in the same day, so it’s all about finding a balance, emotionally, which is a big challenge,” Silvermintz said.
Freshman Evelyn Monzyk, who participated in cross country during the fall, and now sprints for track shares her thoughts on the differences between the two.
“I think I like sprinting more, actually, because it’s so much less of a mental challenge,” Monzyk said. “You just have to tell yourself to get it done, there’s no time for hesitation.”
Even though the season is coming to an end, Morales is motivated to try and get a little better each day.
“I come down on weekends to get more reps because I’m determined to reach my goals,” Morales said. “I’m very coachable so I’m able to practice things the coach suggests to improve because I’m hoping to place in state.”
The coaches have been so supportive and helpful for Morales. She wouldn’t be where she was today if it wasn’t for them.
“The coaches are understanding,” Morales said. “They know when to have me push past my limits especially when I’m tired or feel discouraged. They remind me of what I’ve achieved and capable of.”
The only way Morales is able to be so successful is because of her commitment and desire to help others improve.
“I really try to stay motivated even if I’m having a bad day,” Morales said. “I’m trying to be a role model for other throwers and underclassmen.”
Banta discusses how he keeps that important motivation in the girls he coaches.
“Motivation comes in many forms. Some want to prove something, while others just want to spend time in the sunshine with their peers,” Banta said. “The strategy is to meet people where they are, when they join, and then figure out what we can do as coaches to help them discover the importance of discipline toward this task.”
