Track and Field is a vital part of any competitive athletic program. The straightforward act of running as fast and throwing as far as possible has been entertaining the masses for millennia. North Atlanta’s track and field team may not entertain hundreds of thousands of people across the world, but they are a notable rival to all of their competitors. Head Coach Bryce Doe has led the team to four consecutive regional championships on the boys’ side and a regional title plus three runner-up championships on the girls’ side.
Building and maintaining a competitive track team requires fresh talent, senior leadership, and a sense of community that draws over 150 people to try out for the team. That’s exactly what happened. At the end of January, the massive track tryout allowed Doe to identify the athletes he wanted on the team. Now, 115 kids remain on Varsity and JV.
A typical track meet features over 18 different events, each offering an equal opportunity to score points for the team. Depth and diversity of talent are necessary to winning meets against the large 6a schools we will be facing this year. Doe said, “It’s always a group effort, but it helps to have some fresh talent and runners that can consistently score for us throughout the season.”
That fresh talent will have to perform if the track team wants to score well at state. Last year, the 7a region was dissolved into 6a, but North Atlanta remained in the largest class. Regarding the classification changes, Doe said, “We do not run from any competition here at North Atlanta. It’s a blessing to be in the highest classification.”
The middle distance runners are arguably the most versatile and prospective facet of the team. Three talented double-event runners will fuel their success, perhaps even a state championship in the 4×800. “We are a well balanced group this year. I think we can provide a lot of value within the relay events,” said Mid-distance Coach Katrina Moultrie, ordinarily known as Coach Trina.
The key to a state championship is exemplary coaching that improves athletes longevity. Patience and meticulous training improve athletes fitness over the course of the season and allow them to peak at the right time. Coach Trina said, “Managing the load is so important, as well as making sure the kids are progressing at a steady rate so we don’t risk injury.”
One massive tryout later, North Atlanta’s track team looks at the future with an optimistic lens about their potential to win state. Although it is still early in the season, and loads of adversity is sure to challenge the athletes and coaches, veteran coaching and focused athletes will take the North Atlanta track team far this spring.
