Building off the past, creating new memories

By CR-B Publications Students

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As we approach postseason track and golf, Coon Rapids-Bayard spring athletes are reflecting on what has been motivating them this season. Track athletes are building off last season’s success and golf athletes are trying to make this season one to remember.

 

Senior Mason Culbertson remembers last season like it was yesterday.

 

“What’s been helping me with motivation this track season was our results last year in state,” he said. “Being so close to placing in the 4x1 and 4x2 has lit a fire. Last year, I saw a lot of progression in events, so I wanted to carry that momentum into this year.”

 

Junior Caden Oswald agreed that last year’s success in boys track is helping the team push each other every day to be better. He said these efforts “will not just impact me, but it will impact the whole team.”

 

Blake Heydon, a freshman, sees track making a larger impact.

 

“The speed and agility that you gain by participating in it is carried over into other sports,” he said.

 

One goal for the girls track team is crystal clear.

 

"The end goal is to get on the podium at state for the shuttle hurdle,” said junior Lauren Cook. “We have to be in the top three and were in the top six last year. Being that close to get on the podium really makes us all want it really bad.”

 

Anna Hart, a senior, is a new member of the girls golf team this year. Recently, she took home first place in the Rolling Valley Conference (RVC) Golf Tournament and helped her team become tournament champions. 

 

“We have built an atmosphere where we all want to be the best we can so we can score better as a team,” she said. 

 

In addition to winning the RVC tournament, the CR-B girls also won the first ever Coon Rapids Invitational. 

 

“I have a great team and that is what's motivating me,” said junior girls golfer Lydia McAlister. “When you have great people that surround you, you want to perform better.”

 

Junior boys golfer Jace Baker is also appreciative of his teammates.

 

“I am playing on one of the best varsity golf teams,” he said. “It’s been helping me by coming every day and giving it my all, and it helps my teammates by pushing them to get better every day.” 

 

So much progress has been made this year on both teams, and all of the CR-B spring athletes are heading into the postseason with full force.