At a Christian school, running is not just about speed; it is about purpose. This season, the girls track and field team has been competing at full speed while focusing on character and Christ-like qualities. Every step they take is not just full of momentum, but it is also full of meaning.

According to DC’s long-time head coach, “Doc” McFarland, leadership and event depth are two major strengths for the girls team. He explains that DC features “strong leaders, good girls jumpers, especially in the long jump and triple jump; solid sprinters and hurdlers; strong core of mid and long distance runners.” He adds, “I am blessed, too, with some outstanding coaches to assist me.” 

Additionally, Coach McFarland notes that preparation is a major emphasis in practice: “A majority of the time is conditioning but also time working on technique in the respective events. I am a 100% believer, too, in the weight room for all track athletes. Coach Robert Herrick does an excellent job in conditioning the athletes; we try to keep a regular schedule for the track and field athletes to be in the weight room.”

Furthermore, mental preparation is equally important to physical training. “This is a lot of the work of a coach, who prepares them physically, but then strongly encourages the athletes for the events,” mentions McFarland. “Talking them through their events is always helpful and helping them to build a strategy to succeed. Debriefing after the competition also helps the athlete prepare for the next meet.”

As Coach McFarland looks ahead into the season, he is clear about his expectations: “We try to prepare for the BAL and District Championships. The meets before serve as a good preparation for those meets. In track, a team's success is measured by how much the athletes are improving in his/her events, so we look for that as a measurement of how well the season goes and ends.”

One of the upperclassmen participants, junior Kate Painter, has been running track since sixth grade. A contestant in the 400- and 800-meter races, her objective is quite evident: “My goal is to PR and qualify for district finals with our 4x800 team.” She thinks the team has great potential, stating, “I think the team will do amazing this year.”

Moreover, senior Erin Robertson has been participating in track for four years, pole vaulting for three of those years. As Erin explains, “My goals for this year are to get a new PR, be disciplined in performance and practice, and enjoy my last season with my friends.”

With leadership, preparation, and faith on their side, the girls track and field team is ready to compete and ready to cross that finish line with a sense of purpose and faith in something bigger than themselves.

As the spring season begins, the boys track and field team is entering the year with strong leadership and high expectations. Led by senior captain Jonas Ma, junior captain Jake Matty, and sophomore captain Kellen Reed, the program is predicated on resilience and hard work, all while retaining a tightly-knit culture. 

Ma, a senior sprinter, competes in the 100m, 200m, and 4x1 relay while serving as captain for the second consecutive year. He views his role as one that encompasses both responsibility and an uplifting influence: “To me, being a team captain means I have an added sense of responsibility for my actions. I try to maintain a positive and encouraging attitude to set a good example for the team.” The four-year sprinter believes his biggest responsibility is to ensure that every track and field athlete is putting his best foot forward and offering maximal effort. 

Matty, who also runs in the 100m, 200m, and 4x1 relay alongside Ma, shares a similar mindset regarding his leadership role. “I am honored and blessed to be the captain of this amazing, talented group of kids,” the junior sprinter said. Reflecting on his own experience as an athlete, he added, “My role models helped me grow significantly, so I strive to do the same thing to these kids.” Jake hopes to build a team culture focused on “family and drive,” where the team can work hard while feeling supported and encouraged. 

Reed, the sophomore captain, serves as the team’s long-distance leader, helping spearhead endurance workouts and setting the pace for the distance group. Even as a younger captain, he leads by example through consistent effort and commitment at practice.  

  As a whole, the team features a strong mix of upperclassmen in leadership roles and promising underclassmen who continue to grow in experience. Early practices have emphasized conditioning, explosive sprint work, and plyometrics, with these improvements expected to make a profound difference in the long run through daily determination and effort. 

With eyes set on district and state competitions, the focus remains on steady improvement and team unity. If the resilient effort and uplifting positivity that have been evident in the beginning weeks of the season continue throughout the spring, the DC boys track and field team is positioned for a highly successful season.