After months of long practices and conditioning filled with Florida’s relentless heat and humidity, the PPCHS Jaguars track team is back. With tryouts being held during mid-to-late January and the roster recently being released, athletes are anticipating the opportunity to showcase their speed this season.

Every week since late November, the Jaguars track team has held numerous practices and conditioning sessions with the purpose of building their athletes’ strength, stamina, and endurance. Now that the team has been finalized, players feel as if giving 110% every practice has finally paid off.

“Preseason conditioning has been intense but rewarding. Now that preseason track conditioning has started, my speed is slowly coming back. Physically, I feel ready, and I can see that the work I put in during the off-season is paying off,” notes senior distance runner Kameron James.

Distance events range from 800-meter races to a whopping 10,000 meters. These events test not only athletes’ endurance but also their mental resilience to keep pushing to the finish line.

With many of last season’s athletes being seniors and graduating, plenty of spots were left open for newcomers to take. However, questions have been raised as to how these new athletes will make up for the empty space; they have to prove themselves.

Sophomore long jumper Jayson Lauriston says, “As an incoming athlete and first year for track, I think I bring versatility to the team. My main event is long jumping, but because of my speed, the coach puts me in multiple different events, such as the 400-meter and the 4×400-meter.”

Jumping events include high jump, long jump, pole vault, and triple jump, with the Jaguars competing in two of the four events. Athletes need to combine speed with power to bound off the ground into the sand pit or mat, with the winner being determined by either how far or how high the athlete jumps. 

Sprinting events include 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters, with relay events also being included in the mix. Relay events range from 100 meters to 1500 meters, consisting of four athletes handing off a baton to one another after completing their assigned distance. Relay events test team bonding through synchronization, as they test an athlete’s speed.

Although incomers feel they have a lot to contribute, some veterans feel as if they have bigger shoes to fill. However, recognizing this, these athletes plan on putting in the time, energy, and work to get to where they want to be this season.

“My shortcomings from last year taught me that I need to train my hardest to become better and that I need to focus and give my all during practice,” says sophomore thrower Ayanna Johnson. “I feel more confident going into this season because of the time that I put in training with my private coach and the determination that I have to do better than last year.”

Throwing events include discus, javelin, shot put, and hammer throw, with Pines Charter competing in three of the four. Winners are determined by who can throw the object the furthest, with these events designed to determine an athlete’s strength and going against the norm of track and field, typically involving running.

Other events include hurdling, which ranges from 100 meters to 400 meters for women and 110 meters to 400 meters for men. This event is truly a survival of the fittest for track athletes, as it tests not only speed and agility but also timing and coordination for an athlete to time their steps perfectly between hurdles.

The Jaguars have already burst out of the blocks and competed in their first three meets. Their next one takes place at Flanagan High School on Tuesday, February 24.