After inclement weather halted the progress of spring sports, Sedona track season officially kicked off.
“We emphasized technique in practice but it is tough to keep them motivated with the snow,” Sedona coach Harry Schneider said. “Normally, I would be upset but the kids have been working hard so far; I cannot complain.”
Sedona’s season began last weekend when the Scorpions traveled to Flagstaff for the NPA Skydome Classic on Saturday, March 2.
“All of the other participating teams had the same issues with the weather,” Schneider said. “Last year, the temperature was 70 degrees at the beginning of the season and things were gorgeous.”
Over 20 teams participated, including Sedona’s rival, Camp Verde High School.
It was a great showing for both sides as two boys and two girls took first in their respective events.
“Most of the kids that stick with track enjoy it and see noticeable improvements to their game,” Schneider said. “The kids set their goals and then we discuss how attainable they are and what steps must be taken to achieve them.”
Abby Stevenson took first place in the long jump 15-4, while Courtney Hansen took first in shot put with 32 feet.
“Courtney Hansen winning the girls’ shot put was a very nice surprise,” Schneider said.
Dylan Beattie finished in first for the triple jump at 38-5, and Forrest Hartley’s 11-foot 6-inch pole vault took the top spot.
“Dylan might have had the best day as he placed second in the high jump, fourth in the hurdles and won the triple jump,” Schneider said.
Emma Beattie finished third in hurdles at 4’6”.
“Emma did excellent as a freshman in her first varsity meet,” Schneider said.
The Sedona girls 4×4 relay team of Abby Stevenson, Tiana Trujillo, Emma Beattie and Cheyenne Javey took second with a time of 4:38:55.
The Sedona boys relay team of Forrest Hartley, Gabe DeLuz, Christian Welch and Cisco Bekele took fourth.
“Our young players were all over the place but overall they did fairly well,” Schneider said. “First-meet jitters are real but I told the kids they are here to compete and not worry about other things.”
“You usually know exactly what to expect from kids but we could not with the weather,” Schneider said.
To honor great individual performances, Schneider hands out beanie babies for the players to sign and hold onto.
“The kids have to sign them and return them after a week and whoever ends up with the most signatures gets to keep it,” Schneider said. “I have been collecting beanie babies since 1995, so it is a new tradition we are starting.”
An old tradition Schneider has implemented is having his team read every quote in the Scorpions gym.
“The kids have to read all 100 of them and then pick two quotes that really stand out,” Schneider said. “They have to explain to me and the team why that specific quote resonates with them.”
For Schneider, maintaining relationships with his team is the preferred method of coaching, as opposed to leading with an aggressive demeanor.
“I am more of a one-on-one coach rather than an aggressive one who yells and screams,” Schneider said. “I have been around a long time, so I would say you learn how to mellow out instead of going crazy.”
With track and field being an individual sport, Schneider must use specialized tactics to motivate his team.
“I believe in individual motivation rather than getting in your face to rally someone,” Schneider said. “Unfortunately, it is hard to build a team-oriented team because our sport does not engage in dual meets and a league championship.”
“I do not believe yet that we are a state caliber team, so we do not think like that,” Schneider said.
The Scorpions host two events this year with the Sedona Friendship Invitational occurring first on Tuesday, March. 19.
“My whole goal is always to have my players enjoy track and field,” Schneider said. “We do not have that situation of finishing 10-3 or winning and losing so I want them to love track and understand what it takes to succeed.”
Sedona also hosts the Sedona Invitational on Saturday, April 6.
