With the outdoor track and field season approaching, athletes at Thomas Worthington High School are beginning to set goals and prepare for months of competition. After a strong indoor season and a successful cross-country fall, many runners and throwers believe the team has the potential to compete at a high level this spring.
The team features athletes across a wide range of events, including sprints, distance races, field events, and throws. Several competitors say their focus this season is not only improving individually but also helping the team succeed at conference and state meets.
Senior thrower Ryland Jeffers, who competes in shot put, discus, and weight throw, said he has specific goals for the season.
“I want to get All-Ohio and qualify for the state track meet in discus,” said Jeffers. “I’m really looking to have a better season than indoor and do better than I did last year, and I’m hoping to teach the younger throwers.”
Jeffers said one of his favorite memories from past seasons was breaking the school record in the weight throw, though he also remembers fouling every one of his throws at a meet during his junior year. According to Jeffers, getting started in the sport can be the hardest part.
“The hardest part is definitely getting started and joining the team,” Jeffers said. “The easiest part is lifting and showing up every day to practice.”
Sprinter Collin Chase, who runs the 200- and 400-meter races, said his expectations for the season focus on improvement and enjoying the experience with teammates.
“I want to get stronger, get faster, and have a lot of fun,” said Chase.
Chase hopes to set new personal records this season while continuing to develop his speed and strength. One of his favorite memories from previous seasons was traveling to overnight meets in Akron and spending time with teammates outside of competition.
“The hardest part is staying committed and coming back to practice and finishing reps,” Chase said. “The easiest part is messing around with teammates and having fun in practice.”
Thrower Adam Tanner, who competes in discus and shot put, believes the team has the talent to qualify athletes for the state meet in multiple events.
“We have Ryland Jeffers for throwing, Will McClure for pole vault, Kelvin Crisafulli for hurdles, and a lot of other strong athletes,” said Tanner. “I think we have a lot of guys who can make states.”
Tanner said his personal goals include reaching a 40-foot throw in shot put and a 130-foot throw in discus. However, he also wants to make sure newer athletes feel supported as they learn the sport.
“My favorite memory from last season was the conference meet,” Tanner said. “Even though the weather was bad, we still had good spirits and had fun joking around as a team.”
Distance runner Frazier Kirk, who primarily competes in the 800- and 1600-meter races, also believes the team has strong potential this season. According to Kirk, the program is motivated to prove itself after several rebuilding years.
“My motto for this season is ‘nothing to lose, everything to gain,’” said Kirk. “We want to show the state that Thomas Worthington track and field is here to stay.”
Kirk hopes to qualify for the state meet in the 1600 meters and help the 4×800-meter relay team reach the state level as well. His personal goal is to run between 4:14 and 4:18 in the 1600 meters. He said one of the most memorable parts of the sport is the connections athletes build.
“The easiest part is meeting new people,” Kirk said. “After races, people will come up and congratulate you, and you end up making friends through competition.”
While athletes have different goals and experiences, many say the upcoming season is about improvement, teamwork, and enjoying the process. With strong returning athletes and motivated newcomers, the Thomas Worthington track and field team is looking forward to a competitive and memorable spring season.
