As the track & field season commences, they hope to see a resurgence of last year’s successful season. The track events at Archbishop Riordan High School vary, including both short and long-distance events, hurdling, relays, shot put, and the long jump.
Riordan’s shot put team has been putting in a lot of work throughout the season. Assistant coach Scott Chiesa works under head shot put coach Edgar Flores, who has been coaching shot put at Riordan for 24 years.
Although Chiesa’s coaching career at Riordan is only in its second season, he is not a newcomer to the sport, as he’s going on his 12th year of coaching.
The future of the shot put season seems promising, with a remarkable athlete preparing for another season.
“We do have a shot-putter coming back, her name is KJ. (Kona Jane Dacascos ’25) Last year as a sophomore, she got 3rd in the WCAL and we’re expecting her to do that and better this season,” remarked Chiesa.
Art Higgins, a former head-coach who has coached on and off since the 1990s, works and trains mainly the specialized event, hurdling. Coach Higgins emphasizes the importance of duality in track & field.
He said, “My goal for the season is to see the kids have fun, but continue to be serious about their craft and what they’re doing.”
Track & field hurdler, Gianna Ramsey ’25, is striving to push herself for a great season, and as a team, hoping to make it to both the WCAL and CCS finals. However, challenges of being a track & field athlete are prominent.
“The hardest part about track is being able to overcome the mental challenges that come with races not going as expected, or trying a new event,” said Ramsey.
Nevertheless, the track & field team remains optimistic for a successful season, even hoping to bring some athletes to the CIF state championships later this year, in May.
Track & field athletes will continue their hard work and training, while fans anticipate their athletic performance this upcoming season, alongside the coaches who continue to demonstrate great contributions to the athletes’ development.
