Introduction

          Track and Field is an individual sport with a team concept.  It has event group areas: Sprinters, Throwers, Distance Runners, and Jumpers.  In those event groups there are sub-groups - Hurdlers/Sprinters, Shot/Discus, Long/Middle Distance, and Horizontal/Vertical Jumps.  In all there are fifteen different events in which to compete. Also included are gender, race, economic, and cultural differences. These differences individualize athletes on the track.  Being an individual does not, however, entitle a person to do what he or she wants when he or she wants to.  Without discipline there is chaos, especially with the size of our team this year.  It is anticipated that some athletes will resist the discipline which is expected of them - so we have delineated our rules and posted the consequences for not adhering to them.

          Learning includes discipline.  The purpose of the instruction that an athlete receives on the track or in the classroom is to educate.  For the athlete, that means taking instruction and practicing it through repetition until it becomes a behavior.  Sports teach high ideals and admirable personal qualities such as pride, courage, confidence and respect. You, as an athlete and as a student, must recognize the important role that hard work and sacrifice play in the quest for athletic and academic excellence.  The number one reason you are here at San Marcos is to get an education. Your grades and conduct in school reflect on our team. Be advised that there will be grade checks periodically throughout the season. Some suggestions:

• Study!
• Treat all teachers with respect.
• Be on time and prepared for class every day.
• Be an active participant in class discussions.

          You are expected to be a positive force in the classroom. Therefore, respectful conduct and friendliness towards both teachers and students is mandatory; let it be known that tardiness and truancy will not be tolerated. I want and expect you to take advantage of the opportunities you have to become the best student and best athlete you can be. Your efforts will need to include tough discipline in both areas. You must identify your areas of weakness and work hard to eliminate them. If you are having problems in any of your classes, let me know immediately and I will get you some tutoring help. If you are having problems out on the track, feel free to speak to one of the captains, your event coach, or at any time you can come to me.

          One of our goals this season is to build a strong, cohesive team unit.  As we bring this team together, a few simple tasks must be carried out - 1) There must be discipline. 2) We must act like a team. 3) We must look like a team. 4) We must respect one another. These are in no particular order and each one is as important as the other. Without all of the above, a team will not be balanced or effective. There is no I in TEAM!

          This year we have been fortunate enough to put together an outstanding coaching staff who are eager to help you reach your goals and build up pride in this program.  The only way to build pride is through hard work and commitment from both the athletes and the coaches.  We are very excited about the approaching season and hope you are just as enthusiastic.  We’ll not mislead you; our workouts are hard, and you will be tired and sore at first.  But we promise, you’ll get over it.  Keep in mind that the most important kind of success resides in your personal improvement, giving your maximum effort, being willing to take risks, and striving to do your best. And remember - the pride will last much longer than the pain.
Coach Hantgin