Track season began Feb. 2, with new changes to the process of making the team. During the track informational meeting, Coach Rob Rawles talked about how cuts will be made, and how the team will be divided into three groups.
Track tryouts are being held through Feb. 27 and in that time period a roster of 30 people who have already made the team will be posted on his door each Friday. He has informed the team numerous times that in order to make the team they must be academically eligible, have good attendance and work hard each practice.
The track teams are being broken up into three branches: the Baler Squad, the Red Team, and the White Team. On the Baler Squad, the players will practice five times a week and attend every meet and invitationals. The Red Team will practice three times a week, attend every meet and have the opportunity, if given, to attend some invitationals. The White Team practice two times a week and is only able to attend home meets.
Rawles said he has decided to keep 90 girls and 90 boys on the team whereas in previous years he would take anyone and any number of students. His response when asked why he is making cuts this year was, “I want to keep the players who are dedicated to the team. The different teams available help students involved in other sports or activities are as committed to the team as their schedule allows.”
Sophomore Catie Gonzalez said she agrees with this but also said she feels the players having different practice schedules may not allow the athletes to bond and connect as a team.