The 2017 track & field season is on the horizon and the team is preparing for a successful campaign. The offseason has provided the team with an opportunity to reflect on the past and set new goals for the future.
Sophomore pole vaulter Devin King assessed his performance last season and has a positive outlook for this season.
“Individually, I think I did pretty good,” said King. “I became number three indoor and outdoor in nationals. As a team, I think we can improve. I think we have more potential this year than last year.”
King also shares his personal goal for the season.
“Definitely being number one indoor and outdoor in nationals and of course winning conference,” said King. “Hopefully, I can make it to world championship.”
Senior thrower Alex Young also has set his sight on a successful season and plans to reach new heights.
“This season, got a lot of goals,” said Young. “Last year, I was fortunate enough to make it to the Olympic trials. So, this year I’m hoping to definitely build off of that. So, with that, I got a few stepping stones. This year, I want to make it to the NCAA National Championships again, that would be my third time. From there, make it to the USA Outdoor Championships and then hopefully make it to the IAAF Championships in London.”
Young also feels the team has a healthy environment going around as they enter the 2017 season.
“The team atmosphere is much better this year,” said Young. “We got a lot of talent that’s been here and we got a lot of young talent who just came. So, it’s gonna be an exciting season this year. We really have a chance to go out there and win the conference championship for the school.”
In the sprint category, junior Dontrell Lyons believes this could be his season again.
“My goals is to win the conference again,” said Lyons. “I have a high chance of making the NCAA Nationals and winning it. So, that’s my biggest goal right now. Another big goal for me is to make it to the USA World Indoor Championships this year, also making it to the outdoor season.”
The upcoming season also provides a fresh start to some of the new players. Lyons believes the new comers have settled in nicely with the team.
“They’re good guys,” said Lyons. “They come here and work hard every day and we are going to have a good, positive team this year, indoors and outdoors.”
Freshman sprinter Martavius James will be playing for the university for the first time. James feels welcomed in the team.
“I feel pretty good,” said James. “They’re conditioning me well, helping me get in shape for the season, helping me get to the best of my ability. They all welcomed me here and now I’m part of the family. I just hope to score some points in conference, help the team out, do great things.”
Sophomore javelin thrower Addie Shafer, who was born and raised in Hammond reflects on the past season and is looking ahead to her second season. Shafer has set a clear goal for the season.
“Last season was my first season here at Southeastern and I loved it,” said Shafer. “It didn’t go as well as I planned, but I did improve. I definitely got stronger. Just overall technique and skill wise, I gained a better understanding of javelin and being on the team here. I have an ultimate goal of breaking the school record here and just to get better.”
Looking ahead to the season, the training has begun, and the players are working towards success.
“Got to big season playing, just gotta execute and hopefully all of that will fall into place,” said Young. “I’ve been working on a lot of stuff, this off season. One of the biggest things we’re working on is getting my strength up a little bit. I’ve been working mainly on the hammer, just trying to feel the ball much better and learn how to utilize everything I have.”
Lyons also is training for the season ahead.
“I need to get my hamstrings right,” said Lyons. “Basically taking a good diet, taking care of myself, staying healthy.”
The 2017 season begins at LSU Purple Tiger on Jan. 6 in Baton Rouge, LA. For more information regarding the schedule, visit lionsports.net.
