The starting shot sounds and the runners begin to stride out around the track. Sophomore Andrew Thompson participated in the 400 and 800-meter races for the Broncos. Because of inclement weather, two of the track team’s meets were canceled. 

“Running in the [windy] weather made it a little difficult,” Thompson said.

Many football athletes participate in track as a way to get faster and to be able to compete in more areas than football. Senior Preston Harris played running back and safety in the fall, but ran track in the spring to gain flexibility as well as speed. Harris began running track in fifth grade after being inspired by his older brother.

“I’m not completely satisfied [with my performance],” Harris said, “but I’ve been put in races that I’ve never run before.”

In addition to running new races, track members also had to adjust to a new coach. Detrion Taylor started his 15th year coaching at Legacy as the new head boys track coach.

“We have a couple of guys in the middle distance that are the best in the state,” Coach Taylor said. “ I think we’re going to be very competitive.”

Junior Curtis Taylor played varsity football and started competing in running events his freshman year. 

“Practice is tiring,” Taylor said. “But I feel like I’m getting faster, so it will help me in football.”

Thompson ran middle distance at his first two meets. He joined freshman year as a way to enhance his football performance. During track season, Thompson focused on staying hydrated and eating healthier to perform optimally.

“I wanted to get faster so I started running track,” Thompson said. “I’ve really improved on my times since last year.”