On the fast track

BAKER — Baker School track and field athletes might have missed the first two weeks of the season due to bad weather, but they have made up for it in four meets.

“I think the season is going great,” Coach Wilder Kersey said. “These kids impress me more and more each day.”

Normally the team fields more than 100 students, but this year's squad is closer to 50. Kersey believes the smaller number is beneficial.

“It’s different but it’s good because the team is young,” Kersey said. “It’s a good starting point to build up from.”

Athletes compete in either track (short-, middle- and long-distance races) or field (non-running events, such as the jumps) events.

Kersey likes what he has seen from his team early in the season.

“I have some phenomenal athletes out there,” said Kersey. “We have a really good shot at (winning) districts.”

This is the first year Kersey is coaching the team, but he said he can relate to the athletes, especially when they are having an off-day.

“It wasn’t too long ago that I was there,” Kersey said. “I just try my best to pick them up and give them some of the knowledge I have. I let them know that I am here for them."

The support doesn’t stop at the coach. Kersey said the team has quickly become a tight-knit group.

“The amount of teamwork and the bond that I see from them is great,” he said. “You won’t get that from a bigger team.”

Kersey said a few athletes have stood out so far.

“Julia Knight is young but she takes control and is a gifted athlete,” said Kersey. “Tanner Kimbrel sets the pace every practice.”

“Chris Still converted from short distance to long distance,” he added. “He works really hard.”

Kersey said that he also has a pair of sisters — Maya and Gabi Espinosa — also bring a lot to the table.

“The whole team is doing fantastic,” he added. “We just have to keep working and keep pushing ourselves.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: On the fast track