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Track and field: Turnout not a problem for Stevens
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FarkRAPID CITY — It’s a situation most track and field coaches in the area would be glad to have — a large turnout.
Rapid City Stevens track and field coach Paul Hendry is faced with just such an issue. And make no mistake, it’s a situation he’s glad to have.
More than 230 athletes initially signed-up to participate in the 2008 track season, Hendry said, but by the time practice rolled around earlier this month, the number was down to approximately 200. Even with the drop off, the figure is higher than at any time Hendry can remember.
“I think all of our sports at Stevens encourage our kids to participate in two or three sports and a lot of kids have bought into that,” Hendry said. “That makes the overall program better. There are still some out there that want to focus on that one sport. But if you can get those good athletes involved, it makes everyone better.”
“I think the most we’ve had in the years I have been coach was 140, which was last year,” Hendry, who has been at Stevens for 10 years, said.
Hendry said he has about 40 seniors and approximately 70 freshmen out for the team.
Cooperation between sports, Hendry said, has been important, with other programs’ coaches working with the track program to accommodate multiple-sport athletes.
“There are lots of other sports that go on during the spring time, such as soccer, and some (athletes) try to do both,” Hendry said. “Soccer coaches have been real good about getting their kids out for track. That’s been a big benefit getting a few more of them out for the team.”
Of course having a successful program, something Hendry knows all about, also doesn’t hurt in getting more athletes out to participate. The Raiders have won 12 straight AA girls state titles, while the boys have won four titles in the last seven years.
“When you are successful, it gets a few more people out, people who want to be a part of (the success) or to contribute,” Hendry said.
However, the large turnout does pose issues, Hendry said, namely getting to work with each athlete on a one-on-one basis. Stevens’ track staff includes seven assistant coaches and two volunteer coaches. Hendry said his staff — Forry Flaagan, Kerry Beyer, Lyle Pagel, Jeff Fierro, Irv Hudyma, Jeff Barnes, Josh Lien, Andy Kelts and Lee Lockwood — are working with much larger groups.
“Where it gets hard is we have 50-some odd sprinters and one coach, so it is hard for him to keep track,” Hendry said. “We have one throws coach for 40-some throwers. That’s tough just from safety standpoint.”
Hendry said the increased numbers will play a role for Stevens when the state meet rolls around later this year.
“The more kids, the better chance we have of being competitive,” Hendry said. “A couple of years ago, we only won one event at state that year, and we still won (a state team title),” Hendry said. “The kids know you might not be a state champion in an individual event, but even down to eighth place is important. In practice, the kids are pushing each other, making each other better.”
Members of the Stevens track team take a warm up lap around the Sioux Park track during preseason track practice Monday afternoon. (Seth A. McConnell/Journal staff)
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