There was very little coaching that occurred during Staley's track season. Four coaches for 140 kids is a lot to handle. The kids got to choose their own events. There were at least 2-3 meets every single week with limited practice time in between. Track practices were mostly choose-your-own workouts. Lucky for Staley, she is intrinsically motivated, pushes herself even when there is no one asking her to, and was open to her parents providing her a little guidance over the season. Staley also came into the season with a solid running base as she has continued her run streak (which is now over 400 days and counting.)
For this track season, Staley chose to do the mile, 800, and 4 X 400 relay. Her season best mile time was 6:17, best 800 time was 2:47, and her 4 X 400 relay had a season best time of 4:37.
Unfortunately for Staley, the middle school order of events had the 4 X 400 relay coming immediately after the 800. In some of the smaller meets, Staley had less than 5 minutes between running her 2 events. She'd step off the track for the 800 and then be heading right back onto the track for her relay. As the season moved forward, several other girls were interested in running on the 4 X 400 relay. Staley was fearful of losing her spot on the relay, so she chose to drop the 800 and focus on her relay for the end of the season.
That decision paid off. Staley held onto her relay spot, and her relay team ended up winning the sectional track meet, running state qualifying team, and moving on to the Class AAA state track meet.
Staley liked the 800 more than the mile, but she loved being a part of the relay team. And the opportunity to make it to the state track meet was so exciting for this group of girls.
There is always a bit of fanfare whenever a team makes it to state. There are state signs and a state send-off at school and a decorated bus and goodie bags. Staley might have been most excited about getting out of school for the entire day on the Friday of state to support her teammates, even though her relay wasn't running until Saturday.
The state track meet was long and hot. The girls did not run their best time. They ended up placing 14th at state. They were a little disappointed, but what an honor to make it there and to have that experience.
It was a great first track season for Staley. It is so fun to watch her grow as a runner, compete hard, push herself, have fun, and encourage her teammates. She is already excited and talking about next year.
