| Hurricane Tigers Boys Track: Possibilities of a Repeat? |
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In his 15th year of coaching track and field and his 11th year a head coach of the Hurricane Tigers boys track team,coach Boyd Prince,taking lessons learned from past seasons,has high expectations for this year's team. In state 3A competition a year ago the Hurricane Tigers boys track team edged out Judge Memorial High School by two points to capture the 3A state championship title. Having lost several key athletes from last year's team,the Tigers now look to regroup and make another run at a title. “Last year we had a team that really connected with each other,”Tigers coach Boyd Prince said. “The team grew up together and we had a lot of depth. I had kids running for me that had done so for a few years.” Prince said the Tigers 2006 season was unique and exciting. The Tigers found success at a regional level as well as in statewide competition;however,first place finishes were not common for the team. Due to the large participation on the team they found success as a result of their depth. “Last year was neat,”Prince said. “We didn't take first place often but due to our numbers we won a lot of points. We often saw kids have a bad meet and it was neat to see other kids step up and back us up.” As with most competitive sports,team chemistry and teamwork is important in track and field,Prince said. Track is different than most sports due to the fact that it is spread out. Individual athletes compete in various events by themselves;however,team goals and the motivation to win is essential. “The senior class we lost last year was a great group of kids. We preach to the kids that being positive is a big part of succeeding,”Prince said. “We teach the kids to visualize winning and finding success. Our senior class was extremely good at doing that.” Despite losing a large group of senior leaders from 2006,the Tigers are still strong,Prince said. With the help of coach Steve Jurca,Prince hopes to strategically place his athletes in the events they will best perform in. If done successfully,the Tigers should thrive. “This year’s team,even having lost athletes from last year’s team,is still very tough,”Prince said. “Our throwers are awesome. The javelin and the shot put are two of our strengths. Adam Best is a strong kid who tends to lead our team through his performance.” Best,one of several seniors participating with the Tigers team,is not the only leader on the team. Various athletes are expected to fair well in different events. Prince said the Tigers are pretty tough in distance running. Continuing the tradition of being fierce competitors in long distance races,Karl Wilcox and Ryan Howard are poised to help the Tigers in races such as the mile,the medley relay races,as well as the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. Jared Buhunin and Trent Housley,along with other young athletes on the Tigers squad,are coming along and making great progress,Prince said. The Tigers aren't classified as a young team,but more balanced than usual. The team includes about seven or eight athletes from each grade,Prince said. Historically,the Tigers have been extremely competitive in throwing events and several races. Prince is reassured to know that things haven't changed too much,he said. “We've always had strong throwers and good distance runners. Sometimes we'll get a bunch of sprinters but we've usually been well balanced,”Prince said. “In the last 10 years we've never been less than fourth in state. I've been lucky as a coach to have such great kids to work with. We have to give all credit to the kids for the hard work they put forth.” While the Tigers have stood out in recent years as the team to beat,they aren't letting down their guard. In a tough region full of excellent athletes,the Tigers have set their sights on achieving success. “Obviously we'd like to finish on top of our region again,but it won't be easy,”Prince said. “Cedar will be tough and Pine View has a very deep team. Winning a Region 9 title would be our third time in a row and the third in only four years. That says something about these kids.” Prince,along with his coaching staff and athletes,is aware of the challenges that await them in state competition as well. Region 9 teams along with 2006 runner-up Judge Memorial will present a worthy challenge to the Tigers. “Region 9 is always tough and it always will be. That's one thing I've noticed,”Prince said. “We always seem to have four or five teams somewhere in the top few places at state. Region 9 is really tough.” While the Hurricane track team has led the way in recent years,the Tigers don't attribute their success to their efforts alone. “The community needs to be recognized,”Prince said. The rotary club helps out with various events and the community support rolls over into helping the kids stay motivated.” The Tigers continue their season Thursday,March 29 as they will compete against other Region 9 schools in the Red Rock Invitational hosted by Snow Canyon High School at the Pine View Panthers field at 3 p.m. Bookmark & Share              |