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Cottonwood Heights Journal

Skyline Track And Field Team Taking Season In Stride

May 05, 2016 12:42PM ● By Sarah Almond

By Sarah Almond  | [email protected]

With the Skyline High School track and field season beginning the first week of March, the 75 members of the Eagle’s team have already put in over 100 hours of practice and training. 

“We had a lot more kids come out for the team this year,” head coach Allen Hymas said. “We have some kids from other sports, like a couple girls from basketball, and we haven’t had that in the past either, so that’s been really nice.” 

Though Hymas doesn’t know what factors might be spurring the increase in participation, he’s happy to have a diverse team this season and hopes the program will continue to grow in the coming years. 

“One of the typical problems we’ve have at Skyline is that we tend to get a lot of kids who aren’t really from the area,” Hymas said. “And that plays a factor into the numbers we get out as far as athletes.” 

Along with a bigger roster and greater diversity in athleticism, Hymas is impressed with the unity and sportsmanship of his team. However, the Eagles have also dealt with the common obstacles and growing pains that accompany an expanding program.

But as head coach of the Skyline Eagles for more than 30 years, Hymas knows that every season has it’s ups and downs. And while this season is no different, he knows the challenges presented can be overcome. 

“Right now one of my biggest challenges as a coach is getting these kids to realize their potential,” Hymas said. “But this is pretty much always a challenge. We’ve got some great kids, they just need to realize it.” 

Even as a seasoned coach, Hymas says that encouraging more than six-dozen high school students to realize and capitalize on their full potential is fairly tricky. 

“Some kids have a hard time competing if the competition at meets is really good,” Hymas said. “But we try to get them to focus on their times and personal improvement, and encourage them to try and improve individually with each meet.” 

For the most part, urging athletes to compete against themselves before they contend with others has been a winning ticket for the Eagles. 

“Our athleticism has turned out to be pretty good this year,” Hymas said. “We’ve got some kids that should make it to State. Our distance girls should do really well. We’ve also got a good thrower, Adam Tingey, who is one of the best shot put and discus throwers in 4A.” 

Hymas also has high hopes for sophomore distance runner Camille Winterton, who placed first in the 3200-meter and second in the 1600-meter race at the Pineview Invitational in Washington, UT on April 2. The following weekend, Winterton placed third at the Taylorsville Invitational. 

The Eagle’s main goal is qualifying as many people as possible for state. Though bringing home a state title may not be in the cards for the team this year, they are hoping for a strong showing from several talented athletes. 

“I think the girls will do really well in state this year,” Hymas said. “The boys have some tough competition, but we’ll see how they do.” 

The Eagles will compete in the track and field State Meet on May 20-21 at the BYU football stadium in Provo.