Thomas Jefferson High School track teams starts season with promising results.
Ben Makovsky leaps over the pole for the Spartan Track Team. photo by Kevin Fleming
Under the leadership of Head Coach Dave Cohen, the boys’ and girls’ track teams are ready to compete at the state level once again.
The track team, composed of 40 boys and 25 girls, has great potential to take the city title this year. “The boys, who won the city title last year, are in a good position to defend that title this year,” said Cohen. “If the girls can step up this year, especially in the middle length events, they have an excellent chance of winning the city title this year.”
The team has already been hard at work this season. The first event of the year was the Cardinal Classic, where the team took third place before the event was canceled due to weather. “The team was doing excellent before the weather stopped the meet,” Cohen stated. “We hadn’t even had a chance to compete in the events where we really excel, so I am confident we would have been near the top,” Cohen added.
Although many events in a track meet are individually judged, teamwork is still the driving force for the squad. “Track is like a car, and the athletes on the team are the parts of the car. Only when the team comes together can the car run smoothly and perform well,” quipped Jalil Debose, a competitor in the 4×800, 4×400, 400 Meter, and 110 Meter Hurdles events.
This past Saturday, the team took part in the Cherry Creek relays, competing among 12 other teams. “This is a great training opportunity for the team. It is good to practice in a competitive environment,” said Cohen.
Competing in this all day event, the team was full of confident competitors. “I feel like the ultimate today,” exclaimed Kevin Kumar. “I fell good and I am confident that I will be able to perform well.” Kumar competes in the 100 and 300 Meter Hurdles events
The goals were accomplished for the day, and the team managed to come in 8th place. Coach Cohen was proud of the team, but did recognize some spots for improvement. “Right now it seems as if we lack depth in the distance events, and we are continually looking to improve in that area,” explained Cohen.
The team is stacked with returning state qualifiers; all of whom Cohen thinks have a great chance at qualifying for state again this year.
Boys-
Efrem Woldu
Jared Louis
Matt Averyheart
Kyllan Snow
Jalil DeBose
Joe Madlock
Ben Makovsky
Girls-
Mariah McCrea
Paige Wilson
Sabrina Harris
Ana Blunt
Due to the changes in state qualifying regulations this year, everybody has a chance at state. CHSAA now will take the top 25 athletes in each event, so the bar for a state qualification is constantly changing. “This new system is both good and bad for us. While there is never a set time to get into state, this opens up the field and allows almost anyone to qualify.”
With the new rules, it is important for the team to stay motivated throughout the long season.
Spartan Runner Jamal Shields stated, “The team is speed, and speed kills. Coach always keeps us motivated to do our best.”
