Hanna track in training

The Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) High School track is out practicing outside when the weather permits, but if not, head coach Jackie Jones has them at the Hanna Recreation Center swimming for cardio or at HEM's gym doing drills and playing games that get their bodies ready for meet competition.

Jones knows this time of year is hard to get outside practices in, but she is excited about the team being fielded this year and wants them to get the best workouts she can provide before the meets start.

"We know we have some talent back on the girls and boys side, that is for certain," Jones said. "But I think one of the things we get most excited about every year with track is, because it is obviously such an individual sport leading to team things, but with it being individual, you can look at the improvement of every single athlete as time goes by, no matter what event they are competing in. To me that is the beauty of track and field."

She said individuals set goals for themselves and for the team.

"We have some pretty decent numbers, so we will be able to put together some relays," Jones said about the size of the group she has competing. "It is great to help these kids reach their niche and see them contribute to a good team thing."

Last year twins Conor and Shane McGraw brought home gold from state in races in their sophomore year. The girls team did well and although there was no gold, Taylor Scott, a freshman then, came in third in two competitions and fourth in another at state.

Although track is just starting, Jones is already seeing a freshman to watch.

"Coming off a successful volleyball and basketball season, Rainey Wilson is a young lady who works hard and pushes herself all the time," Jones said. "It will be fun to watch and see what she does."

On the boys side, although he was a freshman last year, sophomore Devon Grosstick is another competitor she thinks is doing well and an athlete to watch.

"Last year Devon got stronger and by the end of the year really helped the team," Jones said. "I can see him doing some good things this year."

Jones said with the season just starting, there is much unknown about what her kids can do as individuals and as a team.

"It is early and right now, we will practice and compete week after week," Jones said. "We will have the kids set goals for themselves and the team and we will push on as we meet those early goals."

She this time of year, her team will practice all week only to have a meet canceled. Jones said the cancellations do not seem to faze the Miners track team.

"I have said it before, we are blessed with the kids we have on the team," Jones said. "They are not complainers and they take it in stride when meets are canceled. They might be a little disappointed when a meet is canceled because after all they are teenagers, but after a cancellation, they always show up for practice the next week and give it their all."