Braves,
As track season often goes, we had excellent weather everyday this week up until our invitational on Saturday. As frustrating as that can be, in many instances we were able to rise above the challenges of the weather and make the best of the opportunity we had. More on that to come.
We hosted a meet on Thursday that I thought went very well. I loved at the end of the meet how many of you stepped up and ran a 4x400 relay. That shows me who is buying in to the team concept and is understanding that hard work builds success. Remember, success isn't about titles or being the best, it's about hard work each day, and improving. If you don't improve every week you shouldn't feel like a failure - and improving every week is not practical in high variable races - but it should motivate you to continue to work hard. Progression in track often comes with PRs followed by a plateau. Don't be discouraged by a plateau in improvement, but remember that you are due for a break out.
The Davis invite this year was one for the books. So many crazy things happened. It was super windy to begin the day which took its toll on the early races (I apologize if I leave things out). Our girls 4x100 ran well in the wind and just missed state qualifying. Our boys 4x100 also were running well with a chance at the school record with the intense rain, but because of the rain we missed our final exchange and were disqualified. Max Tooley won the open shot put with a 47 foot throw. Lovely was second in the discus, Tre was also second in the discus, and Bridger was 3rd in the 110H. The weather in the afternoon session only got worse. The athletes battled some pretty crazy rain, wind, and cold. After watching Julia in the invited long jump I was walking across the field and I saw Bridger before his 300H. He looked at me, smiled, and said "I'm gonna win this." That race was stacked with talent. It basically was the 5A state championship final preview, plus Bridger and James (from Bonneville). I simply nodded with hope and pride. At that moment I was most proud of how he was determined to race well even though it was pouring rain. The way he talked and his body language almost made me think it was a balmy day. That is the kind of mental toughness that is needed in this sport, and in life. He decided he was going to compete and succeed. He did not let the rain negatively affect his his approach to the race. With 80m to go Bridger was in 3rd. It was then that Marv said "he's got em." Sure enough as they both stated with certainty, Bridger won it. He didn't win that race with 80m to go, he won it before hand. He won it at practice. He won it in his preparation. He won it with his approach on race day. He had to execute his race in order to put himself in a position to win, and he did just that. His time of 38.90 is second all time at BHS. I recapped his race hoping that you all will leave more determined to be mentally tough in the face of adversity, and to put the work in day in and day out.
This coming week is supposed to be rainy everyday. Let's determine to work hard even if we get rained on. On Thursday we have a Junior High Meet we will be hosting. We will need all of you there to help. We will take roll that day. It would be very tempting for you to say that you will simply skip that day, but these JH meets are important days for us to help our team in the future. Hopefully you all feel invested in the success for the program after the work you've put into it. JH kids think you guys are awesome, which you are, so we need you there to help those kids have a more positive experience; even if it is raining.
The second clothing order is due on Wednesday if you want to order something. Simply bring the form with a receipt to me in my room, or put it in my box.
On Friday we will be competing at Woods Cross. It is an afternoon meet and we will give you details on who is competing and what time you are excused. It is an invitational so not everyone will be able to compete, but we will enter as many of you as we can.
Finally, as many of you know my sweet wife, and future XC assistant this summer and fall, is pregnant and was due this past Friday. If I am mysteriously gone a few days in the next week or so, you know why.
Thanks for all you do. Only a few weeks until region so let's take advantage of each day we have.
Coach Jacobson
