This crew leaves PV with unprecedented success - 3 state titles in XC and 1 2nd, a top 6 finish in track last year and what was setting up to be a run for the state title this season, and just as impressively the influence of dedication and attitude brought to the program. Thanks for your contributions to our team and your influence on the younger generations that will continue to grow what you have helped build.
Jenessa Finch - It seems Ness was born to be a Panther - with like 900 siblings that all participated in some level with PV track and XC, Jenessa has been around the program for a very long time. One of the highlights of the XC season, was watching Jenessa push aside some of her own fears and limitations about her running and earning a Varsity spot and continuing it throughout the season all the way to her contributions to a team state title. Ness had started the season strong and set a PR in her 800 with a time of 2:35. At the DH JV Meet, she was just off her PR of 5:39 in the 1600 and was again just off of her PR at 12:29 in the 3200 at SC Invite. No doubt Jenessa was ready to carry her XC success on to the track and be a valuable contributor to the team.
Jessica Hill - You could make a very strong argument that Jess is the greatest distance runner ever at PV (among a list of some very impressive runners). She is the only runner in PV history to be 1st team All-State in XC all four years of HS. She burst onto the scene with a 6 place finish as a Freshman, then followed with a 5th place finish as a Sophomore, a 7th place finish in her Junior season which also saw her win the Region title, and capped it off with a runner-up finish in her Senior year. On the national scene, Jess finished 13th at Nike Southwest as a Sophomore earning 2nd team All-Southwest honors and 22nd at Foot Locker West this past season earning 3rd team All-West honors (both finishes are the best in PV history). Jessica was ready to carry this success on to the track this season. At the SC Invite she set a PR in the 1600 with a 5:15 and ran a very strong season opening 3200 time of 11:19. As a Freshman Jess earned All-State honors with finishes of 4th place (3200) and 6th place (1600). In her Sophomore year, she continued to rack up the honors with another All-State finish (7th) in the 3200. In her final appearance at State as a Junior, she once again earned an All-State finish in the 3200 with her 6th place. Besides all the honors, Jess has brought a confident and determined personality to the team. She set an example of hard work and looked for the same from her teammates. We look forward to her continuing her journey as a scholarship athlete at Weber St. University.
Kylee Brown - Kylee is an example of determination and grit. Over her four years, Kylee had goals of improvement and contributing to the Varsity teams. Through her hard work, she became a leader as her teammates saw her drive and commitment. As a XC captain this past season, Kylee contributed to the team's success through her planning of activities and goal setting session to bring the team together. She is an excellent leader and was a very good captain. In her only chance to race this season, Kylee set a PR in the 1600 at 6:01 an improvement of 12 seconds over last season. She has a PR of 13:13 in the 3200 and 2:53 in the 800. We will miss your passion for the team and sport.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Salute to Seniors - Boys Sprints
Although not huge in numbers, this crew was huge in leadership and dedication. They will all truly be missed for their passion for track. They have left the sprint crew in good hands with the legacy they helped create with their hard work and example.
Izaiah Moten - Izaiah showed potential in limited action as a Freshman, but we he came back out last season, the Region 9 football MVP really started to show what he could do on the track. As a Junior, Izaiah set PRs of 11.99 (twice) in the 100 and 24.15 in the 200. He also contributed greatly to our 4x100 and medley relays. This season looked to be even stronger, as Izaiah had really been putting in good work for his upcoming collegiate football career. His open times at the SC Invite were strong and pointed toward upcoming PRs and he helped the 4x200 set a new State Record.
Mitchell Fletcher - Mitch moved here as a Sophomore and immediately showed his passion for track. He had good range from the 100 to the 400 and showed potential in the Long Jump as well. As a Junior he set PRs of 11.64 (100), 24.26 (200) and 18'8.75" (LJ). He also competed in the 4x100 at State and the medley. In his shortened Senior year, Mitch looked be a very important contributor in our push to our team goals and was willing to really work on his 400 to help us in a weaker spot on our team. He PRed in his only 400 of the year with a 55.59 and looked to be well on his way to being a legitimate low 50's guy. He also picked right up with his LJ (18'7") and 200 (24.53). He also help the 4x100 to a State Qualifying time (and the fastest time in Utah this year).
James McArthur - Watching James' growth over four years has been a lot of fun. He showed great promise as a hurdler as a Freshman and continued to grow each year. By this season, James had really come into his own - his off-season work was unmatched on the team, and he was ready to really do some amazing things. He truly inspired all of teammates with his passion and commitment this season and showed many of the younger athletes the hard work and time it takes to be great. In his 110 hurdles James' season best progression went 17.76, 16.15, 16.15, to a State Qualifying 15.69 in his only attempt this season. His 300 progression was 47.47, 42.79, 41.29 (and a 9th place finish at State), to a 41.85 in his first attempt this season. James was also developing into a strong Long Jumper and PRed with a 19'1.75" jump last year at Orem.
Connor Jaten - Conor hadn't competed yet this season, but was seeing good development throughout last season and into this year. His PRs from last season were 12.44 (100), 25.30 (200) and 15'2" (LJ)
Ian Jones - A tremendous athlete, Ian joined our team as a Junior and had the whole region talking by mid-season. Numerous coaches came and asked me who he was and why he hadn't been out before. This season, Ian was recovering from a muscle tear and was just about back to the track when the season was called off. With single season PRs of 11.90 (100), 24.07 (200) and 18'6" (LJ), there is no doubt Ian would have been contributing to our team points in championship meets. Ian was also a contributor to our medley and 4x400 relays and would have been a big part of them again this season.
Alec Johnson - Alec was another late-comer to track and joined us just last season. He too was coming back from an injury and was just about cleared to resume running when the season was shut-down. With another season under him, Alec would have been another contributor to our very deep team. His single season PRs of 11.95 (100), 25.19 (200) and 18'7" (LJ) speak for themselves.
Izaiah Moten - Izaiah showed potential in limited action as a Freshman, but we he came back out last season, the Region 9 football MVP really started to show what he could do on the track. As a Junior, Izaiah set PRs of 11.99 (twice) in the 100 and 24.15 in the 200. He also contributed greatly to our 4x100 and medley relays. This season looked to be even stronger, as Izaiah had really been putting in good work for his upcoming collegiate football career. His open times at the SC Invite were strong and pointed toward upcoming PRs and he helped the 4x200 set a new State Record.
Mitchell Fletcher - Mitch moved here as a Sophomore and immediately showed his passion for track. He had good range from the 100 to the 400 and showed potential in the Long Jump as well. As a Junior he set PRs of 11.64 (100), 24.26 (200) and 18'8.75" (LJ). He also competed in the 4x100 at State and the medley. In his shortened Senior year, Mitch looked be a very important contributor in our push to our team goals and was willing to really work on his 400 to help us in a weaker spot on our team. He PRed in his only 400 of the year with a 55.59 and looked to be well on his way to being a legitimate low 50's guy. He also picked right up with his LJ (18'7") and 200 (24.53). He also help the 4x100 to a State Qualifying time (and the fastest time in Utah this year).
James McArthur - Watching James' growth over four years has been a lot of fun. He showed great promise as a hurdler as a Freshman and continued to grow each year. By this season, James had really come into his own - his off-season work was unmatched on the team, and he was ready to really do some amazing things. He truly inspired all of teammates with his passion and commitment this season and showed many of the younger athletes the hard work and time it takes to be great. In his 110 hurdles James' season best progression went 17.76, 16.15, 16.15, to a State Qualifying 15.69 in his only attempt this season. His 300 progression was 47.47, 42.79, 41.29 (and a 9th place finish at State), to a 41.85 in his first attempt this season. James was also developing into a strong Long Jumper and PRed with a 19'1.75" jump last year at Orem.
Connor Jaten - Conor hadn't competed yet this season, but was seeing good development throughout last season and into this year. His PRs from last season were 12.44 (100), 25.30 (200) and 15'2" (LJ)
Ian Jones - A tremendous athlete, Ian joined our team as a Junior and had the whole region talking by mid-season. Numerous coaches came and asked me who he was and why he hadn't been out before. This season, Ian was recovering from a muscle tear and was just about back to the track when the season was called off. With single season PRs of 11.90 (100), 24.07 (200) and 18'6" (LJ), there is no doubt Ian would have been contributing to our team points in championship meets. Ian was also a contributor to our medley and 4x400 relays and would have been a big part of them again this season.
Alec Johnson - Alec was another late-comer to track and joined us just last season. He too was coming back from an injury and was just about cleared to resume running when the season was shut-down. With another season under him, Alec would have been another contributor to our very deep team. His single season PRs of 11.95 (100), 25.19 (200) and 18'7" (LJ) speak for themselves.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Salute to Seniors - Girls Sprints
Although the numbers are few with our Senior Sprints, we have two girls we want to highlight and thank for their time and contributions to PV Track and Field. Thanks for your leadership and examples of hard work.
Megan Chamberlain - Megan rejoined the team this season after taking a hear off last year. This season, she decided to focus on the sprints and was working out with the long sprint crew. She could always be found with a smile as she pushed through her workouts. This season at the DH JV Meet, Megan was able to compete in the 200 (33.23) and the 400 (1:14.67) It was great to have you come out with us again Megan.
Ellie Wilson - Ellie is an outstanding athlete and an even better person. She joined us last year moving from up north and was an immediate contributor to our team. Unfortunately she wasn't able to get into a competition this season, as she was at an all-star basketball tournament the week of SC Invite. However, if her 2019 season was any indication, Ellie would have been a valuable contributor to our team in the hurdles and on some relays this season. Last season, Ellie had PR's of 18.45 in the 100mh and 49.94 in the 300mh. She was also a strong high jumper and peaked State Qualified with a 4'8" on two occasions.
Megan Chamberlain - Megan rejoined the team this season after taking a hear off last year. This season, she decided to focus on the sprints and was working out with the long sprint crew. She could always be found with a smile as she pushed through her workouts. This season at the DH JV Meet, Megan was able to compete in the 200 (33.23) and the 400 (1:14.67) It was great to have you come out with us again Megan.
Ellie Wilson - Ellie is an outstanding athlete and an even better person. She joined us last year moving from up north and was an immediate contributor to our team. Unfortunately she wasn't able to get into a competition this season, as she was at an all-star basketball tournament the week of SC Invite. However, if her 2019 season was any indication, Ellie would have been a valuable contributor to our team in the hurdles and on some relays this season. Last season, Ellie had PR's of 18.45 in the 100mh and 49.94 in the 300mh. She was also a strong high jumper and peaked State Qualified with a 4'8" on two occasions.
Sunday, April 19, 2020
Some stuff
Hey everyone! It's been great to bump into a few of you this past week. I know that really got my vibes up, so I keep challenging you to reach out to your friends and teammates and especially anyone who pops into your head as someone that could use a pick-me-up and send a text or something and just say hi.
As our season has come to a conclusion, we've been highlighting our amazing seniors. Last week we looked at our Field events (so go back and read about them if you haven't). This week, we'll look at our Sprint Events. My biggest worry is that somehow I forget someone. So if I do, please reach out and remind me.
A couple updates on things:
- Those of you who ordered spirit pack stuff, I heard from our supplier and there are some back ups on the gear because of work shutdowns. So hopefully things will be coming in soon. We'll keep you informed.
- If you have any track equipment, it's important that you get it back. Shoot me a message if you need to get into the dungeon to drop anything off.
- Get your school stuff going. It's been a pretty tough week and sometimes we shrug off things. But it's important to keep up on assignments.
- Those doing XC next year, there is some important info up on the XC blog. Check it out and spread the word to those who might want to be a part of our team.
- And finally, just another plug to keep getting out and having an active lifestyle. The thought might be out there of, "why train if there isn't anything to train for?" First, because it is healthy both physically and emotionally to have regular workouts (and we need that right now more than ever). And secondly, hopefully there is something you love about working out. Reconnecting with that something (that reason why) without the pressure of competition is also great for you right now.
Last... a thought for today -
"Observation: People who achieve big and audacious goals are rarely obsessed with achieving big and audacious goals.
They are focused on the path, on the process. They weather ups and downs. They take small and consistent steps, know big gains come as a byproduct of that."
-Brad Stulberg
As the reality of the lack of a season has set in for me, thoughts like this have been very helpful to me. Of course, we had big team goals and many big individual goals as well. And I was very confident that we were going to reach them. And when the season was ended, it felt as if the team and so many of you had those opportunities taken from you. And I still have some sadness about that. But realizing that down the road, the hard work and dedication that made those goals a real possibility will still be with you has lifted me up a bit. Knowing that each and every one of you put yourselves and our team into a position to do amazing things through your dedication and commitment to consistent and focused work helps me realize that each and all of you are going to be able to move on from these disappointments and be great people because of the lessons learned on the path to becoming great really helps me feel good about life.
Miss you all and encourage all of you to keep working hard at difficult things.
As our season has come to a conclusion, we've been highlighting our amazing seniors. Last week we looked at our Field events (so go back and read about them if you haven't). This week, we'll look at our Sprint Events. My biggest worry is that somehow I forget someone. So if I do, please reach out and remind me.
A couple updates on things:
- Those of you who ordered spirit pack stuff, I heard from our supplier and there are some back ups on the gear because of work shutdowns. So hopefully things will be coming in soon. We'll keep you informed.
- If you have any track equipment, it's important that you get it back. Shoot me a message if you need to get into the dungeon to drop anything off.
- Get your school stuff going. It's been a pretty tough week and sometimes we shrug off things. But it's important to keep up on assignments.
- Those doing XC next year, there is some important info up on the XC blog. Check it out and spread the word to those who might want to be a part of our team.
- And finally, just another plug to keep getting out and having an active lifestyle. The thought might be out there of, "why train if there isn't anything to train for?" First, because it is healthy both physically and emotionally to have regular workouts (and we need that right now more than ever). And secondly, hopefully there is something you love about working out. Reconnecting with that something (that reason why) without the pressure of competition is also great for you right now.
Last... a thought for today -
"Observation: People who achieve big and audacious goals are rarely obsessed with achieving big and audacious goals.
They are focused on the path, on the process. They weather ups and downs. They take small and consistent steps, know big gains come as a byproduct of that."
-Brad Stulberg
As the reality of the lack of a season has set in for me, thoughts like this have been very helpful to me. Of course, we had big team goals and many big individual goals as well. And I was very confident that we were going to reach them. And when the season was ended, it felt as if the team and so many of you had those opportunities taken from you. And I still have some sadness about that. But realizing that down the road, the hard work and dedication that made those goals a real possibility will still be with you has lifted me up a bit. Knowing that each and every one of you put yourselves and our team into a position to do amazing things through your dedication and commitment to consistent and focused work helps me realize that each and all of you are going to be able to move on from these disappointments and be great people because of the lessons learned on the path to becoming great really helps me feel good about life.
Miss you all and encourage all of you to keep working hard at difficult things.
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Salute to Seniors - Boys Field Events
We continue our Salute to Seniors with our Boys Field Events. Man this is quite a crew. On our journey to a state title, this was to be our secret weapon. This year we were able to bring together veterans who have contributed for years and some new throwers who were having an immediate impact on and off the field. Sometimes we wonder what good it does to say it, but right now I think it does a lot... You guys are champions; I have no doubt you would have sealed up the state title for us this year. Thanks for being you. You're all amazing and your contributions - whether sort or over four years - are going to be felt for a very long time.
Filipo Tavita - Filipo came out for track for the first time this year and was already an impact thrower. In his very first meet ever, Filipo took 5th at the SC Invite in the shot with a throw of 42'1". In the jav he threw a 139'3" to take 8th. Two events and two finals is a pretty big deal and we have no doubt that State Qualifying marks were just around the corner. His positive attitude and encouragement are contagious and a huge reason for his success.
Brennan Costa - Brennan would have thrived as a decathlete: he's strong, fast, explosive, and slow in the 1500! Last year (his first in track), Brennan was able to run a few relays and an open 100 where he put up a mark of 12.9. We were looking forward to seeing even more growth from him there this year, but his real strength is in his strength. At the SC Invite, Brennan just missed finals and put up a PR of 39'7" and was well on his way to earning a State Qualifying mark. Another athlete who is very coachable and positive, Brennan was very excited to help his team accomplish its goals.
Uelese Matavao - Another athlete in his first year of track, Uelese was just beginning to learn his disciplines and was poised for a huge breakthrough throughout the season. Lese recorded very respectable marks of 38'4" (shot) and 100'4.5" (disc) in his first and only meet of his career. We are very grateful for his willingness to come learn something new and commit to his teammates.
Nick Fiame - The most polite, caring, and wonderful guy you'll ever meet, Nick's big breakout came his Sophomore season at the Orem Tiger Trials when he hit a huge PR in the disc and State Qualified where he eventually finished 13th. Over his remaining three seasons, no one was more committed to seeing his teammates and his program succeeding than Nick. He often spent much of his practice time teaching and coaching new athletes. As a Junior, Nick once again qualified for State in the disc where he made finals for the first time and placed 9th. he also recorded his PR in the jav (134'4") and shot (36'7") as a Jr. This season, Nick's hard work was really coming together as he set a PR and hit a State Qualifying mark in his very first meet with a 139'3" throw in the disc. An amazing young man, there'll be no one like him ever again.
AJ Mccarroll - Wow, another first year track athlete (you can see we were pulling some guys in and were all in this year!), AJ showed great promise in the throws. Despite hurting his finger the week of the SC Invite which really hampered his grip and definitely dropped his marks a little lower than he was throwing in practice, AJ went out and threw at SC because he was quickly developing a love for this sport. The SUU bound place-kicker put up marks of 35'3" (shot) and 76'4' (jav). Thanks for coming out and being part of this team AJ.
Jake Swinson - Fake Steven has been a valuable part of our throwing crew for three years. A jav specialist, Jake was also finding success in the other throws. In the off-season, Jake could always be found in the weight room or out working on his jav and setting the standard for his teammates for time put in at practice. Jake ends his career with a jav PR somewhere 132' and 152' (ha!),
Jacob Nobili - New to PV this year, Jacob was ready to contribute to the long jump right away. In his only meet as a Panther, Jake hit a LJ of 19'6". Another athlete who was ready for big breakthroughs with a season of development, Jacob was becoming a valuable member of the jump squad and was learning to take on the high jump as well.
Dallin Hancock - Probably the biggest bummer of the year, was Dallin didn't get to participate in any meets this year. Dallin absolutely loves the jump and no one works harder on reaching his goals than him. Dallin is a track guy through and through. He loves track, he loves his teammates, he was so excited to help his team bring home something big this season. Dallin ends his career with PRs from a spectacular Jr. season that had set him up for huge things this year - PRs that were surely going to be broken this season of 6'0" in the high jump and 21'1.25" in the Long Jump were he took 2nd at Region and 14th in State. Dallin's hard work has been evident from his Freshman year, showing up as a skinny blonde haired idiot who worked, then a Sophomore year where he worked hard, a Junior year where he worked VERY HARD, to a a Senior year where he was now driven and although he was still just a skinny dumb haired kid there was going to be no stopping him reach his and the team's goals.
Filipo Tavita - Filipo came out for track for the first time this year and was already an impact thrower. In his very first meet ever, Filipo took 5th at the SC Invite in the shot with a throw of 42'1". In the jav he threw a 139'3" to take 8th. Two events and two finals is a pretty big deal and we have no doubt that State Qualifying marks were just around the corner. His positive attitude and encouragement are contagious and a huge reason for his success.
Brennan Costa - Brennan would have thrived as a decathlete: he's strong, fast, explosive, and slow in the 1500! Last year (his first in track), Brennan was able to run a few relays and an open 100 where he put up a mark of 12.9. We were looking forward to seeing even more growth from him there this year, but his real strength is in his strength. At the SC Invite, Brennan just missed finals and put up a PR of 39'7" and was well on his way to earning a State Qualifying mark. Another athlete who is very coachable and positive, Brennan was very excited to help his team accomplish its goals.
Uelese Matavao - Another athlete in his first year of track, Uelese was just beginning to learn his disciplines and was poised for a huge breakthrough throughout the season. Lese recorded very respectable marks of 38'4" (shot) and 100'4.5" (disc) in his first and only meet of his career. We are very grateful for his willingness to come learn something new and commit to his teammates.
Nick Fiame - The most polite, caring, and wonderful guy you'll ever meet, Nick's big breakout came his Sophomore season at the Orem Tiger Trials when he hit a huge PR in the disc and State Qualified where he eventually finished 13th. Over his remaining three seasons, no one was more committed to seeing his teammates and his program succeeding than Nick. He often spent much of his practice time teaching and coaching new athletes. As a Junior, Nick once again qualified for State in the disc where he made finals for the first time and placed 9th. he also recorded his PR in the jav (134'4") and shot (36'7") as a Jr. This season, Nick's hard work was really coming together as he set a PR and hit a State Qualifying mark in his very first meet with a 139'3" throw in the disc. An amazing young man, there'll be no one like him ever again.
AJ Mccarroll - Wow, another first year track athlete (you can see we were pulling some guys in and were all in this year!), AJ showed great promise in the throws. Despite hurting his finger the week of the SC Invite which really hampered his grip and definitely dropped his marks a little lower than he was throwing in practice, AJ went out and threw at SC because he was quickly developing a love for this sport. The SUU bound place-kicker put up marks of 35'3" (shot) and 76'4' (jav). Thanks for coming out and being part of this team AJ.
Jake Swinson - Fake Steven has been a valuable part of our throwing crew for three years. A jav specialist, Jake was also finding success in the other throws. In the off-season, Jake could always be found in the weight room or out working on his jav and setting the standard for his teammates for time put in at practice. Jake ends his career with a jav PR somewhere 132' and 152' (ha!),
Jacob Nobili - New to PV this year, Jacob was ready to contribute to the long jump right away. In his only meet as a Panther, Jake hit a LJ of 19'6". Another athlete who was ready for big breakthroughs with a season of development, Jacob was becoming a valuable member of the jump squad and was learning to take on the high jump as well.
Dallin Hancock - Probably the biggest bummer of the year, was Dallin didn't get to participate in any meets this year. Dallin absolutely loves the jump and no one works harder on reaching his goals than him. Dallin is a track guy through and through. He loves track, he loves his teammates, he was so excited to help his team bring home something big this season. Dallin ends his career with PRs from a spectacular Jr. season that had set him up for huge things this year - PRs that were surely going to be broken this season of 6'0" in the high jump and 21'1.25" in the Long Jump were he took 2nd at Region and 14th in State. Dallin's hard work has been evident from his Freshman year, showing up as a skinny blonde haired idiot who worked, then a Sophomore year where he worked hard, a Junior year where he worked VERY HARD, to a a Senior year where he was now driven and although he was still just a skinny dumb haired kid there was going to be no stopping him reach his and the team's goals.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Salute to Seniors - Girls Field Events
We begin our Salute to Seniors series with our Field Event Ladies...
This crew is an amazing group mixed with a veteran and many new faces. They brought a passion and a excitement to the team unlike any other. Most days, you could find them motivating and bringing laughter to the team - and some sanity to Coach Pete after having to deal with the boys! There biggest legacy will be the inspiration they pass down to the group young throwers coming up in their footsteps of hard work, passion, bravery to try something new and caring about teammates. Ladies, we love you and thank you from bottom of our hearts for all you've done for your teammates and our program.
Regina Wright - We start with one of the greatest throwers ever to come out of PV. Gina is the epitome of hard work on the field. Her desire to improve and be the best is driven by a passion for the sport and her team. Gina is an amazing leader on the field, inspiring everyone around her to put in their best effort - and to do it with a positive attitude and an amazing smile. This season, Gina had already State Qualified in the shot with a throw of 33'7.5" at the Snow Canyon Invite where she took 4th. This is just 4 inches off her PR of 33'11.5" thrown at State last year while taking 6th place. Gina also has a discus PR of 86'2.5".
Ciarra McGuire - Ciarra was in her first year of track this season, and we were very excited to see her progress and where how much potential she had. This was shown by her tremendous growth in less than one week from the DH JV Meet to the SC Invite where her shot improved by over 1 foot from 24'2" to 25'8.5", her disc improved 5 feet from 55'1" to 60'2" and her jav improved over 10 feet from 60'2" to 71'1.5" leaving her as our top jav thrower on the short season. Ciarra has a wonderful attitude and is very coachable and willing to learn and try new things. Undoubtedly, she would have not only contributed in scoring points as she continued to learn the throw, her attitude and work ethic would have continued to influence the team in amazing ways.
Maier MacLellan - Maier was also in her first year of track this season and was able to participate at both the DH JV Meet and the SC Invite. Her PRs on the young season were 23'10" (shot), 59'9" (disc), 60'11.5" (jav). No doubt Maier would have continued to improve those marks with her dedicated work ethic. Maier's greatest attribute, however, is her wonderful smile and great attitude. Maier loves being around her teammates and we love having her around.
Karissa Gillespie - Karissa has been a member of the team for a couple of years; however, this was her first year participating in the field events. It was a lot of fun seeing her find a spot on the team she enjoyed and loved to be a part of. Karissa was, expectedly, just getting the hang of her throws. Nonetheless, she showed great potential and was to see big improvements right around the corner. She leaves the season with PRs of 50' in the disc and 69'11' in the jav.
Anna Green - Anna has also been a member of the team for a few years and now found herself trying the field events. It was wonderful to have Anna's positive attitude and humility on the team. She is very coachable and was excited to be trying new events and to be part of the team again after a season off. At the DH JV Meet, Anna threw a PR of 40'6" in the jav.
This crew is an amazing group mixed with a veteran and many new faces. They brought a passion and a excitement to the team unlike any other. Most days, you could find them motivating and bringing laughter to the team - and some sanity to Coach Pete after having to deal with the boys! There biggest legacy will be the inspiration they pass down to the group young throwers coming up in their footsteps of hard work, passion, bravery to try something new and caring about teammates. Ladies, we love you and thank you from bottom of our hearts for all you've done for your teammates and our program.
Regina Wright - We start with one of the greatest throwers ever to come out of PV. Gina is the epitome of hard work on the field. Her desire to improve and be the best is driven by a passion for the sport and her team. Gina is an amazing leader on the field, inspiring everyone around her to put in their best effort - and to do it with a positive attitude and an amazing smile. This season, Gina had already State Qualified in the shot with a throw of 33'7.5" at the Snow Canyon Invite where she took 4th. This is just 4 inches off her PR of 33'11.5" thrown at State last year while taking 6th place. Gina also has a discus PR of 86'2.5".
Ciarra McGuire - Ciarra was in her first year of track this season, and we were very excited to see her progress and where how much potential she had. This was shown by her tremendous growth in less than one week from the DH JV Meet to the SC Invite where her shot improved by over 1 foot from 24'2" to 25'8.5", her disc improved 5 feet from 55'1" to 60'2" and her jav improved over 10 feet from 60'2" to 71'1.5" leaving her as our top jav thrower on the short season. Ciarra has a wonderful attitude and is very coachable and willing to learn and try new things. Undoubtedly, she would have not only contributed in scoring points as she continued to learn the throw, her attitude and work ethic would have continued to influence the team in amazing ways.
Maier MacLellan - Maier was also in her first year of track this season and was able to participate at both the DH JV Meet and the SC Invite. Her PRs on the young season were 23'10" (shot), 59'9" (disc), 60'11.5" (jav). No doubt Maier would have continued to improve those marks with her dedicated work ethic. Maier's greatest attribute, however, is her wonderful smile and great attitude. Maier loves being around her teammates and we love having her around.
Karissa Gillespie - Karissa has been a member of the team for a couple of years; however, this was her first year participating in the field events. It was a lot of fun seeing her find a spot on the team she enjoyed and loved to be a part of. Karissa was, expectedly, just getting the hang of her throws. Nonetheless, she showed great potential and was to see big improvements right around the corner. She leaves the season with PRs of 50' in the disc and 69'11' in the jav.
Anna Green - Anna has also been a member of the team for a few years and now found herself trying the field events. It was wonderful to have Anna's positive attitude and humility on the team. She is very coachable and was excited to be trying new events and to be part of the team again after a season off. At the DH JV Meet, Anna threw a PR of 40'6" in the jav.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
UHSAA Cancels Season
April 14,
Well... what can I say. With today's announcement by the governor that schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year, the UHSAA (the state athletic association) has cancelled the remaining season for all spring sports including regular season and region and state championships.
I'm so bummed right now; I can't even begin to express my feelings. We love all of you and miss all of you and feel so bad for all of you. I think that most of us just really wanted a chance to compete. A chance to show our hard work and improvement. A fair chance to show what kind of amzaing team we really are. And in some ways, we were able to do that. But, no doubt, not to our fullest extent.
It definitely is a "life isn't fair" type of moment.
And you know what, everyone of you deserves to have any and all of the feelings you want. Me... I've been mad, sad, frustrated, disappointed and about everything there is on the negative kind of side of things. But I'm also very proud of all of you and just overjoyed that I've been able to be your coach - and I know each other coach feels the exact same way. We love you all so much. You are the reason we do this. Getting to be around your example of hard work and growth. Seeing how you care about each other and are willing to push yourselves for the team.
You seniors... I can't even... I am just so, so sorry. This really couldn't happen to a greater group - and you don't deserve this crap. Thank you for all you've done for the program, your teammates and us coaches. You are amazing young men and women and are going to do great things in life!
Please, all of you... reach out and talk to one another. Send us coaches texts and give us a call if you need some support. 'Cause we need your support too.
What do you we all do now? We probably be mad for awhile. We probably get a bit frustrated. Some of us will probably shed a tear or two realizing what we are going to miss. I went for a long run and just tried to clear my head. We probably need to talk to people - so do. We definitely need to keep working out (it probably won't be in quite the same way and with the same intensity that some of you have been doing as you've tried to keep in shape) - but at a time like this, we need to exercise, we need to burn up a little of the feelings - so please do! Don't be ashamed of any emotion that you have (even happy, but especially disappointed); it is okay to be feeling all sorts of stuff right now.
I'll keep you updated on things. I want to keep chatting and talking. So don't be surprised to see a message from me and your event coaches as well.
But most of all, know that you really are cared for. There's people around to reach out to if you need to - coaches, parents, teammates, other friends, pets, the trails, God, who or whatever... It's okay to need some help. When you lose something that is important to you, it's okay to need some help.
Love and miss you,
-holt
Well... what can I say. With today's announcement by the governor that schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year, the UHSAA (the state athletic association) has cancelled the remaining season for all spring sports including regular season and region and state championships.
I'm so bummed right now; I can't even begin to express my feelings. We love all of you and miss all of you and feel so bad for all of you. I think that most of us just really wanted a chance to compete. A chance to show our hard work and improvement. A fair chance to show what kind of amzaing team we really are. And in some ways, we were able to do that. But, no doubt, not to our fullest extent.
It definitely is a "life isn't fair" type of moment.
And you know what, everyone of you deserves to have any and all of the feelings you want. Me... I've been mad, sad, frustrated, disappointed and about everything there is on the negative kind of side of things. But I'm also very proud of all of you and just overjoyed that I've been able to be your coach - and I know each other coach feels the exact same way. We love you all so much. You are the reason we do this. Getting to be around your example of hard work and growth. Seeing how you care about each other and are willing to push yourselves for the team.
You seniors... I can't even... I am just so, so sorry. This really couldn't happen to a greater group - and you don't deserve this crap. Thank you for all you've done for the program, your teammates and us coaches. You are amazing young men and women and are going to do great things in life!
Please, all of you... reach out and talk to one another. Send us coaches texts and give us a call if you need some support. 'Cause we need your support too.
What do you we all do now? We probably be mad for awhile. We probably get a bit frustrated. Some of us will probably shed a tear or two realizing what we are going to miss. I went for a long run and just tried to clear my head. We probably need to talk to people - so do. We definitely need to keep working out (it probably won't be in quite the same way and with the same intensity that some of you have been doing as you've tried to keep in shape) - but at a time like this, we need to exercise, we need to burn up a little of the feelings - so please do! Don't be ashamed of any emotion that you have (even happy, but especially disappointed); it is okay to be feeling all sorts of stuff right now.
I'll keep you updated on things. I want to keep chatting and talking. So don't be surprised to see a message from me and your event coaches as well.
But most of all, know that you really are cared for. There's people around to reach out to if you need to - coaches, parents, teammates, other friends, pets, the trails, God, who or whatever... It's okay to need some help. When you lose something that is important to you, it's okay to need some help.
Love and miss you,
-holt
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Week of April 13-18
Checking in on the numbers who have been reading our blog posts shows kind of a disheartening trend... The numbers are down, way down, over the past two weeks. Undoubtedly this is because when this whole ordeal started, we all had a pretty optomistic outlook that this would end soon. Now we have reached the point that we wonder if it will ever end. I'll tell you this... it will end and we will get back to life as normal! When? I don't know, hopefully sooner than later. During this week, someone I was talking to about track said that I shouldn't have too much hope that a season would happen and that I should be careful of giving "false hope" to the team. Even thinking about it for a while, I still disagree. Without hope, what do we have? I don't know if we'll be lucky enough to get something in, but I am going to keep hoping and keep writing these blogs and keep updating workouts and keep reaching out to you guys and keep on keeping on in as a positive way as I can. And since you are reading this, you are probably one of the hopeful ones too. So I urge you, like I alwasy have, to reach out to a teammate and just say hi to them.
One other thing... Please be working on your school work. Talking with teachers, we've noticed many students hitting this same wall with school - it was kinda fun and easy for a couple weeks, but now it's kinda blah and dragging on. We are actually at midterm this week. Take some time each day and do your school work. Just like you should take some time every day and get some exercise in.
Thought of the Week: "Recommit every day. Setting the goal is easy. The hard is the ongoing commitment to work toward it even when things aren't going your way."
-Greg McMillan
I have seen this with two of our teammates this past week or two. Both of these guys I was able to text a little with in the last little while and see how they were doing and then challenge them to get working out a bit. One is working on coming back from injury and the other was struggling to stay focused after a late start to his track season. Both had a little trepidation about missing some days, but wanted to push to some bigger goals. So what we talked about was the idea of this quote. Every day you need something to get you out of bed and working. The first step is setting the goal of what you want to do - both wanted to be ready to have successful cross seasons coming up (realizing that the injury and late start to track and obviously the shut down were going to make it tough to race in track). But they both showed some discouragement about missing some days and falling behing. So what we talked about was the second step of actually working toward the goal everyday. Right now no one is making you work toward anything really. Its all up to you. But if you are able to find it within yourself to actually commit do working toward that goal everyday (especially when things aren't going our way), you will be amazed at what results come in time. And if you struggle one day, don't beat yourself up; get back to it and push yourself each new day.
Schedule for the Week:
Practice (so again... no team/coach led practice, this is all on you) -
Short Sprints:
Continue these workouts until updated
DAY WARM-UP WORKOUT COOL-DOWN
Monday Warm-up jog (TE I) 4x200 [2 min. Rest between each run/70% Static stretching,
& all drills (plyometrics) burpees 4x @45 sec, lunges 2x50m
Tuesday Warm-up jog (Speed III) 50 m, 80 m, 120m, 80m, 50m Static stretching, planks 4x1 min.,
& all drills (plyometrics) [3/5 min rest between each run/Speed is 90% lunges 2x50m
Wednesday Warm-up jog (TE II) 50m, 100m, 150m, 200m, 300m, 350m Static stretching, planks 4x1 min.,
& all drills (plyometrics) [70% speed & walk same distance between each run lunges 2x50m
Thursday Warm-up jog (Speed III) 50 m, 80 m, 120m, 80m, 50m Static stretching, planks 4x1 min.,
& all drills (plyometrics) [3/5 min rest between each run/Speed is 90% lunges 2x50m
Friday Warm-up jog (Special Endurance) Cool down walk 400m,
& all drills (plyometrics) Set #1 - 100m + 100m + 100m Static stretching
Set #2 – 100m + 200m + 100m + 100
Set #3 – 100m + 100m + 100m
Key Points on this workout
Use training flats, 70%
The + symbol represents a 50m slow walk
Walk 200m between each set
Saturday Light Walk ~1.5 miles
Notes Get at least 8 hours sleep a night, keep hydrated Long Sprints: see long sprint workout schedule
Throws:
Continue these workouts until updated
Monday-
SHOT: repeat 2 to 3x
Progression drills:
Placement Drill: Using a softball. Place the ball where you would the shot, make sure your thumb is pointing at your collar bone (clavicle) and palm out. Shift from static position to power position quickly (have someone time you) 10x (throw the ball keeping your hand and elbow in the proper position, don’t let the elbow come down)
Power Position drill: quick feet drills will help you transition from a regular stance to a power position. Stand up straight with your knees slightly bent and feet right next to each other. From this position, lift up, quickly moving into a power position with your knees bent and weight balanced. Bounce in this position for several seconds to make sure you are balanced. 10x\
Med Ball Drill: Hold the medicine ball like a shot. In standing throwing position project the ball up and out. If you can put a rope up 7 or 10 feet above you. Every time you clear the rope take a step back
Discus: repeat 2 to 3x
Progression drills:
Progression drills:
PVC Pipe/broom handle Drill: Hold a broom handle on your neck with your arms wrapped around. Practice turning keeping your arms angled correctly do power position moves. Using the broom/pvc pipe will help you understand keeping your arms consistent. 10x
Cone Circle Drill: You guys have all done this, find a line and arms out, throwing arm holding a shoe. Rotate on the line. 10x
South African Drill: Same one you have done at practice like the circle drill. Use a shoe 10x
Hula Hoop Lead up Drill: Hold the hula hoop in your hand, with your arm extended. Step into your throw, driving your legs, hips, and chest while swinging your arm around the body. Keep the arm slightly below your shoulder, and release the hoop in front of your body around eye level. 5x
Javelin: repeat 2 to 3x
Progression Drills:
Basketball throw: Kneel on the ground with your upper body extended. Hold a basketball behind your head and lean backwards as far as you can without falling over. Pull forward starting with the waist, midsection, upper body and shoulders and follow through with the arms to throw the basketball forward. Release the basketball when you are square and leaning forward at 45 degrees. 10x
Tennis ball Release: You guys have all done these. 10x
Rhythm Drill: Practice the run up to the throw without the javelin. Run the length and add cross overs (start with 3 cross overs) Vary the rhythm of your steps as you run up to the release slightly on each pass until you feel comfortable. If you can get the practice Jav (the plastic ones) then use them for release. 10x
Tuesday-
All throws:
All throws:
Weight lifting or resistance bands
If you don’t have access to weights do as much as you can:
3 rounds of
10x sumo deadlift
10x bench press
10x burpies
10x push press
10x lunges (use resistance bands if you have them)
10x dumb bell snatches
10x squats
Wednesday-
All throws:
Core strength
Med ball throws: Lying on your back, hold the medicine ball on your chest, throw the ball up extending your arms completely, catch the ball bending your arms. 10x
Planks: 10x 30 sec
Side Plank: 10 x 30 sec
Drills: Shot do your chair drills, fence drills
Discus: do your release drills
Jav: hurdle drills with something like the hurdles 😊
Practice your form as if you were in the ring or throwing the Jav.
Thursday-
All throws
Running day:
5x striders
10x 15 yard run (starting from a different position each time, push ups, sommersaults, mountain climbers and so on)
2x stadiums or 30 meter hills
Friday-
Repeat Monday. If you can use implements then please practice your throws. If things are going wrong then go back to the drills until you feel like you can do it correctly. Athletes of the Week: Thanks for the few new nominees. Let's keep trying to recognize our amazing teammates. Remember, you nominate someone... if you feel a teammate is deserving of recognition for hard work, great performances, leadership, being a great teammate, whatever, nominate him/her.
Nic Farmer (So. / Distance) - "I saw him a couple times this week running in town. I talked to him and know that he's driven to be working hard toward his goals."
Zack del Toro (So. / Mid-Distance) - "I know he's been being pretty consistant with his workouts and wants to get back to contributing to the team and running well."
Youngsters: Youngsters will be postponed until further notice. Get out and run a bit. A great workout is to find a short hill and run hard up it and jog/walk down it real easy. Do a bunch of them. Or run around your block a few times. Maybe run hard on one street and then easy on another. Get outside and have some fun!
Friday, April 3, 2020
Week of April 6-11
*AN IMPORTANT NOTE...*
ALTHOUGH WE ARE ENCOURAGING EACH ATHLETE TO CONTINUE HIS/HER SCHEDULED WORKOUT PLAN AS BEST AS POSSIBLE, PLEASE DO SO SAFELY AND IN A SOCIAL RESPONSIBLE WAY. WE ARE NOT ENCOURAGING ATHLETES TO MEET IN GROUPS AND DO THEIR OWN GROUP PRACTICES. DO YOUR OWN WORKOUTS. SPREAD YOURSELVES OUT IN PLACE, TIME AND DISTANCE.
I tried to reach our to many of you this week - those that are on the Remind text. It was great to hear from you and talk a little. If you're not on the text, could you maybe shoot me a message on Insta @pvxctrack. I'd love to talk with you and see how you're doing and stuff.It seems like were kind of at a weird point in all this... Shouldn't this have ended? What's next? How long does this keep going? Is is even worth going out and doing a workout? Can we even have a season now? Some days I wake up and it's just like I'm on a hamster wheel - the same stuff over and over with no real progress in site. Unfortunately, none of us really know the answer to most of these questions. But I can tell you these few things - you are in control of your own self and your own attitude and at some point in time this will end. So the real questions should be... What kind of attitude am I going to have today? How am I going to spend my time today? What can I do within the parameters set up by my parents and the schools to get a workout in? What shape do I want to be in when the season comes back?
Also, if you need a little reading for the week, go back to the PV Track Great Feats and read up on Marcus and Alli. In fact, Milesplit Utah just put out a similar article on Marcus today!
Thought of the Week: "We are the creators of our own destiny."
-Garth Stein
I was reading the Book "Racing in the Rain" (which actually isn't a track book, unfortunately) with my youngest daughter, when we came across this quote. As I do with about everything now, I put it into the context of our new lifestyle and thought about how now, even though it often doesn't feel this way, each of us must make whatever things happen happen. Like I said above, there are so many questions and so many people telling us what we can and can't do... I just want to remind us that ultimately it comes down to what you do. Not that I am calling for an uprising against social distancing or regulations that have been put into place to help us stay healthy, but if you really want something bad enough, you a way to go get it. I watched a video of an professional rugby player doing stairs in his house yesterday. A dude ran a marathon in his 10ft backyard. You know what I mean?... stuff like that. If you want to be great GO CREATE YOUR OWN DESTINY - don't let this thing or that thing get in the way. Make new rules, make new attitudes, YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Schedule for the Week:
Practice (so again... no team/coach led practice, this is all on you) -
Short Sprints:
Continue these workouts until updated
DAY WARM-UP WORKOUT COOL-DOWN
Monday Warm-up jog (TE I) 4x200 [2 min. Rest between each run/70% Static stretching,
& all drills (plyometrics) burpees 4x @45 sec, lunges 2x50m
Tuesday Warm-up jog (Speed III) 50 m, 80 m, 120m, 80m, 50m Static stretching, planks 4x1 min.,
& all drills (plyometrics) [3/5 min rest between each run/Speed is 90% lunges 2x50m
Wednesday Warm-up jog (TE II) 50m, 100m, 150m, 200m, 300m, 350m Static stretching, planks 4x1 min.,
& all drills (plyometrics) [70% speed & walk same distance between each run lunges 2x50m
Thursday Warm-up jog (Speed III) 50 m, 80 m, 120m, 80m, 50m Static stretching, planks 4x1 min.,
& all drills (plyometrics) [3/5 min rest between each run/Speed is 90% lunges 2x50m
Friday Warm-up jog (Special Endurance) Cool down walk 400m,
& all drills (plyometrics) Set #1 - 100m + 100m + 100m Static stretching
Set #2 – 100m + 200m + 100m + 100
Set #3 – 100m + 100m + 100m
Key Points on this workout
Use training flats, 70%
The + symbol represents a 50m slow walk
Walk 200m between each set
Saturday Light Walk ~1.5 miles
Notes Get at least 8 hours sleep a night, keep hydrated Long Sprints: see long sprint workout schedule
Throws:
Continue these workouts until updated
Monday-
SHOT: repeat 2 to 3x
Progression drills:
Placement Drill: Using a softball. Place the ball where you would the shot, make sure your thumb is pointing at your collar bone (clavicle) and palm out. Shift from static position to power position quickly (have someone time you) 10x (throw the ball keeping your hand and elbow in the proper position, don’t let the elbow come down)
Power Position drill: quick feet drills will help you transition from a regular stance to a power position. Stand up straight with your knees slightly bent and feet right next to each other. From this position, lift up, quickly moving into a power position with your knees bent and weight balanced. Bounce in this position for several seconds to make sure you are balanced. 10x\
Med Ball Drill: Hold the medicine ball like a shot. In standing throwing position project the ball up and out. If you can put a rope up 7 or 10 feet above you. Every time you clear the rope take a step back
Discus: repeat 2 to 3x
Progression drills:
Progression drills:
PVC Pipe/broom handle Drill: Hold a broom handle on your neck with your arms wrapped around. Practice turning keeping your arms angled correctly do power position moves. Using the broom/pvc pipe will help you understand keeping your arms consistent. 10x
Cone Circle Drill: You guys have all done this, find a line and arms out, throwing arm holding a shoe. Rotate on the line. 10x
South African Drill: Same one you have done at practice like the circle drill. Use a shoe 10x
Hula Hoop Lead up Drill: Hold the hula hoop in your hand, with your arm extended. Step into your throw, driving your legs, hips, and chest while swinging your arm around the body. Keep the arm slightly below your shoulder, and release the hoop in front of your body around eye level. 5x
Javelin: repeat 2 to 3x
Progression Drills:
Basketball throw: Kneel on the ground with your upper body extended. Hold a basketball behind your head and lean backwards as far as you can without falling over. Pull forward starting with the waist, midsection, upper body and shoulders and follow through with the arms to throw the basketball forward. Release the basketball when you are square and leaning forward at 45 degrees. 10x
Tennis ball Release: You guys have all done these. 10x
Rhythm Drill: Practice the run up to the throw without the javelin. Run the length and add cross overs (start with 3 cross overs) Vary the rhythm of your steps as you run up to the release slightly on each pass until you feel comfortable. If you can get the practice Jav (the plastic ones) then use them for release. 10x
Tuesday-
All throws:
All throws:
Weight lifting or resistance bands
If you don’t have access to weights do as much as you can:
3 rounds of
10x sumo deadlift
10x bench press
10x burpies
10x push press
10x lunges (use resistance bands if you have them)
10x dumb bell snatches
10x squats
Wednesday-
All throws:
Core strength
Med ball throws: Lying on your back, hold the medicine ball on your chest, throw the ball up extending your arms completely, catch the ball bending your arms. 10x
Planks: 10x 30 sec
Side Plank: 10 x 30 sec
Drills: Shot do your chair drills, fence drills
Discus: do your release drills
Jav: hurdle drills with something like the hurdles 😊
Practice your form as if you were in the ring or throwing the Jav.
Thursday-
All throws
Running day:
5x striders
10x 15 yard run (starting from a different position each time, push ups, sommersaults, mountain climbers and so on)
2x stadiums or 30 meter hills
Friday-
Repeat Monday. If you can use implements then please practice your throws. If things are going wrong then go back to the drills until you feel like you can do it correctly. Athletes of the Week: Thanks for the few new nominees. Let's keep trying to recognize our amazing teammates. Remember, you nominate someone... if you feel a teammate is deserving of recognition for hard work, great performances, leadership, being a great teammate, whatever, nominate him/her.
Makenzie and Lauren Riley (Fr. / Sprint) - "I've seen them multiple times at the park getting their workouts in."
Dallen Hancock (Sr. / Field) - "He's talked with a couple times about working hard during this time."
Regina Wright (Sr. / Throws) - "I know she's still been getting in her workouts and trying to keep a good attitude."
Youngsters: Youngsters will be postponed until further notice. Get out and run a bit. A great workout is to find a short hill and run hard up it and jog/walk down it real easy. Do a bunch of them. Or run around your block a few times. Maybe run hard on one street and then easy on another. Get outside and have some fun!
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