Jolee Lockhart knows that track is as much a mental endeavor as a physical one.
The Wright City senior, who competes in the triple and long jumps, as well as the 4x200-meter relay, said that she …
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Jolee Lockhart knows that track is as much a mental endeavor as a physical one.
The Wright City senior, who competes in the triple and long jumps, as well as the 4x200-meter relay, said that she and her teammates will have to be not only physically prepared for a tough track season but also mentally astute to excel between the typical chilly start of the season and the usually blazing hot postseason.
After all, the relay missed out on state by three one-hundredths of a second.
“I hope to (achieve a) PR,” said Lockhart of achieving a personal record. “I want to make it out of districts, sectionals and all the way to state. It’s going to take drive, confidence and perseverance, I guess. I want to see the relay work hard and do well. We lost some girls from last year and it’s going to take hard (physical and mental) work to achieve our goals.”
Just like Lockhart, senior thrower Sadie Sehnert is also aiming for personal bests in her events.
Sehnert will compete in the javelin, shot put and discus. As a senior on the team, Sehnert wants to see those around her enjoy their share of success as well.
“I want to see us all improve our skills and to PR,” Sehnert said. “I know, for myself, I want to get more technical. I usually just throw. Now, I’m working on the proper form. I want the girls here to work hard, have fun and try to improve every day.”
Second-year Coach Emma Housewright said that the leadership of athletes like Jolee, junior Ada Ferrell in the long jump, who placed eighth at the sectional meet last year, and Sehnert, who was sixth in the javelin at the sectional, should provide a blueprint for younger athletes in not only how they should carry themselves, but the goals they should strive for in their careers.
Regardless of results, the coach said she just wants to see her athletes give it their all each time out on the track.
“I’m excited for the season; we do have a couple of seniors coming back,” Housewright said. “I’m excited for them to try to make state this year. Each day at practice, we look for growth and improvement. We’re looking for our older kids to be leaders and role models.”
Wright City opens its season on March 23 at the Van-Far meet.
