Program Philosophy
The Edmond North Track & Field Program’s primary goals are:
(1) unlocking and developing each individual’s athletic potential
(2) being a positive force in the growth of good and well-rounded young men and women
(3) building a championship track program that is permanently competitive at the highest level
These goals are pursued while maintaining high levels of integrity and character and are achieved through hard work, commitment, and sound training methods.
There is no substitute for hard work. If you want to be the best then you must work harder than the best. Competing against yourself to become better is difficult and requires a strong will to prepare. You must work smarter as well—the ENTF coaching staff designs and sequences workouts on the track and in the weight room to maximize results. Trust in the Program. Commitment ties it all together. Make the Program a priority: be at practice and ready to sweat; take care of your body outside of practice by eating and sleeping right; be responsible in the classroom and in the larger community; be willing to contribute to the team in any way you can. By making the Program a priority, you are making your success and the team’s success a priority. Believe in what we are doing and commit to the Program. That is how we will achieve our goals.
By working toward these goals, it is our belief that this sport is of tremendous value that extends well beyond the track. It provides a sense of accomplishment and pride. It fosters confidence, courage, and a strong work ethic. It cultivates lifelong friendships and builds character that will live long past an athlete’s last meet. Track & Field is a sport, but it will become so much more if you let it.
Program Alignment
The Edmond North Track & Field Program is comprised of four teams for boys and girls: Freshman, Junior Varsity, Varsity B, and Varsity A. These teams are fluid, meaning that an athlete may compete for more than one team throughout the year, moving up and/or down depending on readiness, performance, and special circumstances. In season, teams are set at the end of February and reevaluated on Monday of each week so that there is no confusion where an athlete stands and in what meets they will be competing.
Freshman
Purpose: To develop freshman athletes, providing coaching, workouts, and competition appropriate for their level of development.
Emphasis: Teaching athletes about the sport of Track & Field, developing individual athletic ability, and preparing freshman athletes mentally and physically for higher levels of competition. The Freshman Program exists primarily for the healthy development of our youngest athletes and for the support of our Varsity Programs. The success of the Freshman Team is a secondary focus.
Competition: Most Freshman Meets take place on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. All freshman athletes are expected to compete in every Freshman Meet unless an athlete has been moved up to Varsity.
Varsity B
Purpose: To train athletes to compete at high levels while raising their understanding of both the sport of Track & Field and how to maximize their athletic potential. Varsity B is a team for athletes ready for Varsity competition but not among the top three athletes in their event.
Emphasis: Maximizing individual athletic potential and contributing to the success of the Varsity Program. The Varsity B Team gives athletes more opportunities to compete, improve, and prove themselves worthy of a spot on the Varsity A Team. Team success at meets is not an emphasis for Varsity B; individual achievement is (with the understanding that their individual success will benefit the overall Varsity Program).
Competition: Varsity Meets are most likely to take place on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. The Varsity B Team often travels together and competes at the same meets as Varsity A.
Varsity A
Purpose: To train athletes to compete at high levels while raising their understanding of both the sport of Track & Field and how to maximize their athletic potential. The Varsity A Team is the pinnacle of our Program, competing for individual and team championships.
Emphasis: Maximizing individual athletic potential and contributing to the success of the Varsity Program. Athletes on the Varsity A Team are competing toward qualifying for State, competing for individual and team championships, and potentially continuing their career at the national and, later, the collegiate level. Team success at meets is a primary emphasis for Varsity A.
Competition: Varsity Meets are most likely to take place on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Missing a meet is inexcusable for an athlete with a Varsity A roster spot.
Track & Field Seasons
Off-Season
The months of August through November are considered the “off-season.” Athletes are encouraged to participate in other sports during this time as part of cross-training. Mid-distance and distance athletes should participate in cross country. Other athletes not participating in another sport may take advantage of the 7th hour off-season track class. The focus of this class is to raise individual fitness and strength levels in preparation for the high intensity of practice in the indoor and outdoor seasons.
Indoor Season
In the months of December through February, we will train for a series of indoor meets that take place on indoor 200 or 160 meter track facilities. The intensity of this training is higher than that of off-season training and helps prepare athletes for the outdoor season. While competition during the indoor season can be very competitive, it is important to remember that the focus is on reaching peak performance at the end of the outdoor season and that dictates our training. Athletes not participating in another winter sport are expected to participate in the indoor season.
Outdoor Season
Practice for the outdoor season begins toward the end of February and runs until May. This is the focus of the ENTF Program, culminating in the State Championship. Athletes in winter sports will join us at the completion of their season and are expected to be physically ready for the demands of in-season training.
Summer Track & Field
This period serves as a post season for those interested in competing in national-caliber competitions. Training during this season is typically less intense but more focused than the outdoor season, centering on competition and fine-tuning athletic skill. Frequently, this is when athletes make the greatest gains in their events. The summer culminates in the USA Track & Field Junior Olympic National Championship for those that qualify. Those interested should talk to Coach Evans and Coach Nash.