Track and field has started up once again, and the boys have set out for the track, already running miles. The season began on March 3.

Even though there were no official tryouts, the boys were placed on separate teams; freshman, JV and varsity. Every event separates the athletes this way. The track and field team begins their practice by warming up on the track, then eventually splits into the separate event teams.

Varsity pole vaulter Jake Baumgartner has been pole vaulting since his freshman year, this year being his third year participating in the event and his second year on varsity. Baumgartner is confident that this season will be successful for the pole vaulters, seeing as how their training has been effective. According to Baumgartner, their coach, Mr. Nick Renfrow, has kept it consistent for the pole vaulters.

“Like every other season, Renfrow gives us killer workouts. At only day two, we were all already sore. He does that because it takes a lot of strength and speed to pole vault. So we usually get lots of hard workouts and running before we actually start vaulting,” Baumgartner said.

Even though it’s a tough workout, Baumgartner thinks pole vaulting is definitely worth the time. Throughout his three years of participating in the event, he has seen other pole vaulters with much talent. According to Baumgartner, pole vaulting requires a great deal of skill.

“You have to really master the art of pole vaulting,” Baumgartner said. “You run wicked fast, stick the pole in the box, and just jump. It sounds simple, but it’s not.”

Baumgartner’s teammate, junior Devin Enochs, who has been vaulting for three years, is starting his first year of varsity this season. Enochs, like Baumgartner, loves the sport. Having vaulted at districts, Enochs knows what it takes to succeed in pole vaulting and is aware of how much hard work it is.

“It takes a lot of concentration, good coordination, a decent amount of strength, and just a lot of dedication,” Enochs said.