The FHN Boys Track team is back for another year of hard working and many competitions. With the seniors gone from last year, a new batch of runners have joined.

“It’s been a long time since so many boys have joined. They’re the strongest we’ve had in a few years,” track head coach (Doc) Greg Hennenfent said.

Last year, the track team had an outstanding season with having the JV team go undefeated at GAC’s and a few runners qualify for state. As returning GAC south champions, the team has high goals set for this season. Hennenfent hopes to help the team have both the boys JV and varsity team win at Conference this year, with the help of his fellow track coaches including new coach, Jackie Pirtle.

“Having Jackie help out in coaching makes us as a team even better,” Hennenfent said. “It definitely helps us coaches give more to the kids.”

Compared to last years season, Hennenfent and the other coaches plan on making some changes to better the team. According to senior sprinter, Patrick O’Loughlin, focus needs to improve on the track. Also according to Hennenfent, having most of the coaches as teachers will help out a lot.

“Being able to have 99% of the coaches as teachers is a great advantage,” Hennenfent said. “Students can easily ask questions with ease so that helps a lot.”

With the team being so young, some changes and hard preparation is in order. With there being few upperclassmen, some JV members will be counted on to fill in and may be forced move up and take on leadership positions. Hennenfent is not worried at all though. With pole vault being the teams’ strongest category, a positive attitude, and dedication, Hennenfent is confident that this season will go a strong one on the boys side.

“I think that this season will go well,” junior Austin Polhamus said. “We got a lot of good upperclassmen and a lot of determined freshmen that will help the team excel.”