As the starting gun fires, the Brecksville Bees track team explodes off the line, a blur of colorful jerseys and the most epic running faces. With the hopes of record-breaking performances and dominating wins, this team is gearing up to put all their hard work out onto the track.
Head coaches, Robert Schank and Dawn Ferrante, are excited for the start of the 2025 track season and everything this season brings.
With many of last year’s varsity athletes graduated, spots are open for only the best of the best. Some of the best being the bees 4×400 relay team, who finished 7th in the Ohio Indoor State Track Meet with a time of 3:28.64.
This year, JV only has 5 meets with Wadsworth, Nordonia, North Royalton, Revere and Twinsburg. The dates are listed on the schedule listed at the bottom of the article, as well as on the Bees track and field website.
“I’ve been coaching for over 30 years and currently coach distance and relay, but what I like most about coaching is helping students grow physically and mentally while achieving their goals,” says Schank, who lettered all 4 years in high school.
As a distance runner, there is more time to think while racing which can come as a challenge for a lot of runners.
Sydney Speeth, junior and distance runner, crushes goals left and right and made it as far as the regional meet for cross country this past fall. “When I have a mental block, I like to think there’s nothing that’s going to get me out of what I’m doing. With that being said, I’d rather not stress myself out over something I’m stuck doing,” shares Speeth.
As far as distance running goes, Grace Dawson, freshman, prefers sprints in the spring rather than distance. “I try to mix it up a bit, cross country in the fall and sprints in the spring,” says Dawson.
The freshman is most excited to meet upperclassmen this season, as well as improving her time in the 200m dash. “I normally run the 200, but I hope to get better at the 400 as the season goes on,” Dawson shared.
For throwers like Easton Baugher, junior, “The idea of not having to run was very appealing.” Baugher has been a field athlete for three years and is most looking forward to getting to know some of his new teammates.
“This season I want to just focus on competing at the highest level I can, while also being a role model for some of the underclassmen on the team,” Baugher commented.
No matter what event an athlete is in, everyone gets mental blocks. Whether you’re falling short in a race or throwing an event, it’s all about keeping composure. For runners, Schank says, “Visualize where you picture yourself in your mind with good running form, hitting your splits and running with others that might be faster than you.”
For throwers, Baugher shares, “It can definitely be discouraging when you know you can perform then fall short of that, but you have to think positive thoughts. I’ve learned that negativity almost never helps and only puts you deeper into that headspace.”
Whether it’s a stride, jump, or throw, the Brecksville Bees track team will be giving it their all this season. As they push themselves to new heights and chase their dreams, they’ll be making memories, forging friendships and crushing goals long after the final whistle blows.
Good luck, bees! May your spirit, strength and speed carry you all the way to victory!
