So far this season, Putnam County’s track-and-field teams have excelled by taking a new approach.
Both the boys’ and girls’ teams are competing hard for first-year coach Gary Waller, who is trying to train athletes to “get better” each week. Waller’s approach and attitude seem to be working as his kids have started to see improved results.
“Each week, our times are getting better. I teach our kids that I don’t care what place they come in. All I care about is their time. Track is all about time. It isn’t about coming in first place,” Waller said.
“For example, they can come in first place in the 100-meter running an 11.5-second time. But then could come back and set a PR (personal record) and finish second running an 11-flat. I want them to see it like that. That’s what we’re doing this year. Our times – in most of our events – are improving at the right point of the season.”
Waller has seen a few of his runners start to reap the benefits of their hard work. He pointed out senior Alan Hill among those taking a big step in terms of improving his time in the 100-meter dash.
Last Friday, Hill recently placed third overall in the 100-meter at the Greene County Tigers Invitational. He posted a time of 10.97 seconds, just .21 seconds behind first place.
Hill was a state qualifier in the long jump last season and placed first overall in that event at Greene County last week. So, the dual-threat athlete provides the War Eagles a spark in both the field and running events.
Waller also acknowledged senior Halana Griffin, another state placer in several relay events. Griffin has improved her running times this season while still excelling in the field events. Last week, she placed fourth in the long jump, and second in the triple jump, and her team finished sixth in the 4x100-meter relay.
Waller also highlighted a few other runners on each team that are making a difference for the program this year. He mentioned Mark Little, Don Dorsey, Christian Hernandez, Bill Waters, Brandon Brown, and Bryce Brabham, among others.
The first-year coach also gave shoutouts to Journey Waller, Lily Frisch, Bernicia Harris, Karmyn Manning, Alexandra Morris, and a few others from the Lady War Eagles.
“We’ve got so many great runners and I can’t name them all off the top of my head,” Waller said. “But those three seniors – Alan Hill, Alexandra Morris, and Halana Griffin – are my leaders. They did great things last year and are trying to repeat that success this year. They help lead the way for us and are very talented.”
Waller hopes this new approach will keep influencing his athletes to compete hard as the region meet looms.
“I’m trying to keep them focused and dedicated,” Waller said. “They’ve got to keep coming to practice. First and foremost, don’t worry about working hard in practice. Just get there. That’s what we need. Then when you get there, work hard. We’re trying to change that mindset every day. It’s like clocking in at work. They’ve got to come to practice every day because that’s how we get better as a team. They have to put in the work.”
Putnam County will host the Region 4-AA this Wednesday (after press time), with the finals taking place Friday, April 26.