SJHS Track and Field Starting Soon

Kaydie Kerby
SJHS Staff Writer

At Springville Junior High School our track team season starts on March 16, 2009. Students need to attend a meeting about a week before that so they can sign up and get ready to go. In order to participate, students need to bring red or blue shorts and running shoes. Students need to get a physical in order to do track meets and participate in the events.

Track is not just about running; that’s why it is called track and field. The junior high track team participates in the shot put, discus, high jump, and long jump out. Students will pracice for both running and field events on the PE field at the junior high right after school.

Mrs. Kelli Manwaring, one of the coaches, said “It is really important that all participants have running shoes. These are different than skateboarding, basketball, Converse, or street shoes. Kids who don’t have running shoes often have problems like shin-splints and other pains.”

According to Manwaring, "The type of shoes may not seem like a big deal, but they make a big difference! Running causes a lot of pressure on your joints. Running shoes are made to absorb the pressure and spread it out. Running in street shoes, skateboarding shoes and any other types of shoes often causes people to have a lot of pain in their legs."

If students decide to sprint then it may help to have a pair of shoes that have spikes. These shoes help the runner get a better start and help them run faster but they are not required to have.

In order to participate at track meets, students need to come to four out of five practices during the week. This helps the teammates practice together during the week. If students need to miss a practice because they’re practicing in a different sport, they need to talk to the coaches and they will work something out.