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Can you say "plyometrics?" Are you into "speed work?" How about "weight training?" Chances are, if you answered yes to any of these questions, you're one of women who compete for the FHS Varsity Girls Winter Track team. Coach Katie Dunne was pleasantly surprised with the turnout for this season's squad. "With 50 members," said Coach Dunne, "it's a larger team than ever before." Many athletes from different sports, who are running and competing for the first time in track and field, have helped to strengthen the team. Veteran runners have taken on leadership roles. Newer runners are learning events and improving all the time. With more athletes, the team can fill more relay events. "They are all extremely supportive of each other," spoke Coach Dunne, "and a really fun group to train with." Workouts are taken quite seriously. They train hard so they feel "prepared" in competition. Video taping practices and competitions has allowed coaches and players to learn and make improvements. Increased weight training has proven invaluable, where stretching is stressed. Plyometrics improves abdominal and core strength. Technique and form are covered during speed work. "All the little things," mentioned Coach Dunne is what makes this group of student-athletes successful. New assistant Coach Peter McNally has added his expertise for the sprinters. Coach Walt Henning does a great job with the field events, which include the shot put, pole vault, long jump and triple jump. The mix of great Daler coaching, dedicated Daler athletes and a close-knit Daler team atmosphere all combine to make the ingredients for a Daler championship season.
* denotes team Captain Due to technical difficulties, the FFA was unable to provide pictures of the Varsity Girls Winter Track team. If anyone would like to provide pictures to the FFA for use in future articles, please contact us via email at GoDalersFFA@optonline.net or submit photos to the FFA Box in the main office of the high school. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and a description of the photographs submitted.
Krystal has been an inspiration to the 2004 Girls Winter Track team. As a freshman this year, she is completing her third season on the varsity squad. "Ms. Dunne has always pushed me to the limit," spoke Krystal. "She has helped me improve greatly since I first joined." And that is exactly what she has done each and every year since. She has continued to work on her running form in addition to lifting weights to improve her upper body strength. Both aspects are so important to the sport. Krystal has lettered in Cross Country along with Soccer. She particpates in Super Y League ODP Soccer to keep her skills sharp. "I am a very competitive person," she said. "So, I always try my hardest." She notes that the team means a lot to her as "we always encourage each other." In addition to her drive in athletics, Krystal also is driven to the arts. She enjoys singing and performing on stage. "My favorite subjects are Chorus and Drama," she mentioned. "I love to sing and have so much fun in Chorus. I've learned so much about acting in my Drama class." When it comes to the subject of the track team, Krystal gets right to the point. She has her sights set on a college career, with the Ivy league tops on her list at this time. "Everyone on the team gets along so well," she stated. "No matter what, we always seem to have fun." In the overall mix of academics and athletics, this Lady Daler has the vision and desire to get it done. Coach's Corner: Krystal is a talented runner. She is a natural. She works extremely hard and never takes short cuts. She has been training with older girls for several years already. She's a very experienced and mature runner although she's only in 9th grade. Despite her young age, she is a leader. Krystal is an A student.
Kara is becoming the heart and soul of the Lady Daler Winter Tracksters. As one of the experienced veterans on the team, Kara has competed in track and field events since she began middle school. She takes her schooling serious. "Of course, like many, I love gym . . because I am a sports fanatic," she said. "And, I love science," she reported. "Ever since I was young, I enjoyed learning how the universe works." Kara is involved with the Varsity Leaders Club and takes part in many community service activities and events. She enjoys being with friends and partaking in the extreme sports of billiards, bowling and snowboarding. You'll usually find her at the beach during the summer months. She volunteers her time for the Salvation Army and has walked for breast cancer awareness. Her plans after graduation (FHS Class of 2005) may take her to SUNY Plattsburgh to study Nursing and compete in Track. Kara adds a different dimension to the team. Kara has a keen outlook for the sport. "As a captain, I feel it is important to help the team in keeping upbeat and positive at practice and meets," she stated. "I always strive to do my best." She is very assertive when it comes to the pole vault, her main event. She always tries to surpass her personal best. "For the past few years, I've tried to improve my technique," she said. "It's like an obsession I have. My main goal is to clear 9 feet." Her dedication and desire is quite evident, always working to improve her form. "Track is my life," she stated. "The team and my coaches are like my second family." And, like family, all Dalers stand up for Kara. Coach's Corner: Kara is a positive force on the track team. She has a great sense of humor and is extremely supportive and proud of her team. She is one of Nassau County's best female pole vaulters this year. She is always willing to help teach her event to newer athletes. She is patient and easy going. She has participated in the NY State Championships as a pole vaulter and is one of the Daler team captains this season.
For the past five years, the FHS Girls Winter Track team has been the recipient of Sashoye's leadership, encouragement and athletic ability on the field of dreams. As a Senior, she has exhibited what it takes to be a competitor, on and off the track. She has enjoyed Physical Education classes and is interested in Child Development. "I get the exercise I need from gym," she mentioned. "And, there's nothing like helping children." Her interests include listening to music and watching movies. There's a great connection between the two for her. Sashoye sees herself in the field of nursing, once she graduates with the Class of 2004 this June. She also plans on competing in Track and Field at the collegiate level. Sashoye is a very serious competitor. She cites "training and research" as the keys ingredients to success in the sport. "I try to emulate my role models," noted Sashoye. "I am dedicated and hard working," she said. All that gives her the edge and determination to win. She has worked on improving her upper body form when running. She has embraced weight training and plyometrics as a means to become stronger. The ultimate Lady Daler, Sashoye has left no stone unturned in her desire to be the best she can be. Coach's Corner: Sashoye is a fantastic athlete. Her events include the triple jump, hurdles and sprints. She works hard to juggle all of her events during a meet. She is highly respected by her teammates. Sashoye has competed at the state and national levels in the Triple Jump. As a team captain, she expects everyone to work hard. |
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