The seniors that graduate every year leave behind a certain legacy in the activities they were involved in. While the senior track athletes that graduated last were talented enough to bring home a second place boys finish at state, and a ninth place finish for girls, it means the current athletes have big shoes to fill. Despite this, those involved in the program have no doubts of the athletes’ abilities.

“My goal for the season is to do the best we can at league,” head coach Kory Cool said. “Also to take as many as we can to state and do better than we did a year ago. We are a well-rounded team and I would expect us to be competitive with the best teams in the state.”

While last year’s seniors made a major contribution at the state competition, Manhattan High still returns 22 percent of point scorers from the state competition on the guys side, and 42 percent on the girls side. With returning a decent amount of athletes from the state competition, some athletes are already setting high hopes for the season.

“My ultimate goal is to bring another state championship to MHS,” sophomore Aaron Hoff said. “To do this I think we need to train with the focus of improving and eventually winning. As long as our teammates work together we will have a very successful season.”

Usually in high school athletics, it could take the entire offseason to be prepared. While the track team obviously can’t organize year-round conditioning, that doesn’t mean athletes can’t take matters into their own hands.
“Track is a great sport because you can train everyday during the off season,” Hoff said. “We have the opportunity to have a few meets through K-State or the indoor track teams. Many athletes will also attend the track camps or meets that KU and KSU offer. I’ve personally ran a few trials with teammates as well.”

Even with constant preparation, working out and conditioning, the team is still expected to face several challenges throughout the season. Some challenges even include lack of people.

“We have some weaknesses, we don’t have many girls doing the mile,” sophomore Ella Rosenkranz said. “Most of them seem attracted to the 800-meter or the two mile but our team definitely has a strong unity as a whole and we have fun together.”

The team’s first meet is the Topeka West invite at Topeka.