With the obvious benefit football players gain from participating in track, and the fact that there is no shortage of good athletes at HHS (also obviously), how is it that HHS boys aren't burning it up in the 2A state meet? Is there not a full-time boys' track team? It seems odd in light of how good the Highlands girls are, as well as how good the FB team is.

 

From the looks of it, there wasn't a single HHS boy in the 2A state meet, and last year it appears the only one was the state championship 4x400 squad.

 

:confused::confused::confused::confused:

They had one boy that made it to the state meet to compete in the 3200. Numbers were down and talent is young. They were hurt by the fact that some of the seniors did not return this year, but not sure if it would have had that big of an impact.

The returning state champ 4x100 team decided to forgo track this season to get ready for college football. Spring sports are always going to suffer at Highlands. That's not a criticism but , rather, reality. Baseball is trying but they will have an uphill battle despite having the right guy in place.

The returning state champ 4x100 team decided to forgo track this season to get ready for college football. Spring sports are always going to suffer at Highlands. That's not a criticism but , rather, reality. Baseball is trying but they will have an uphill battle despite having the right guy in place.

 

Exactly, when you have your best seniors preparing for College football then track is usually last on their mind, especially if they may be playing baseball as well. Saw this alot in HS with guys getting ready for college football.

The returning state champ 4x100 team decided to forgo track this season to get ready for college football. Spring sports are always going to suffer at Highlands. That's not a criticism but , rather, reality. Baseball is trying but they will have an uphill battle despite having the right guy in place.

 

Exactly, when you have your best seniors preparing for College football then track is usually last on their mind, especially if they may be playing baseball as well. Saw this alot in HS with guys getting ready for college football.

 

Seems to me that a school like Highlands would easily have the depth among the underclassmen to cover for any distracted seniors. Plus, it's not like EVERY senior is going to play football in college.

 

I can't help but think a strong influence by the head football coach for his players to participate in a sport that can only help football would lead to a record turnout in track participation. Which makes me wonder if Coach Mueller isn't discouraging kids from participating, because we know quite well the athletes are there.

Seems to me that a school like Highlands would easily have the depth among the underclassmen to cover for any distracted seniors. Plus, it's not like EVERY senior is going to play football in college.

 

I can't help but think a strong influence by the head football coach for his players to participate in a sport that can only help football would lead to a record turnout in track participation. Which makes me wonder if Coach Mueller isn't discouraging kids from participating, because we know quite well the athletes are there.

 

On the bolded, surely you blaspheme.

 

In all seriousness, I posted something similar a few days ago when the regional meet was held. Highlands and Lloyd used to be regional powerhouses on the boys side. Perhaps the past couple of years have been an aberration.

 

Or perhaps regional track/XC realignment has had an effect as well.

Previously I believe I stated that this year was a "rebuilding" year, albeit frustating. The handful (10 - 12 ?) of young men that did put out the effort to run track did a great job. It is very tough, given the HHS football conditioning schedule, to focus soley on training for track. Different sports, different training regiments. Hopefully, with a sound program in place and good solid encouragement, HHS boys track will begin to thrive again. I believe in 2006 they were State Runners-Up.....I know that from here there is only one way to go and that's UP !

Way back in the day, mcgrandpa was a football, wrestling and track coach in Maryland. MANY participated in all three sports. I guess the age of specialization has forced lots of young men to choose only one sport.