El Dorado set to open track season

El Dorado is scheduled to open its varsity track season on March 4 at the Doc Walker Relays in Texarkana. Despite unfavorable weather and COVID restrictions, Lady Wildcats' coach John Koonce said his team has been busy preparing.

“We will have a full team with 21 girls. We have been training every day after school since returning from the break,” said Koonce. “But we have used our strength and conditioning period to get the girls stronger and in shape since we have returned for school.”

El Dorado didn't really have a season a year ago and there's not a tremendous amount of carryover from cross country.

“Our strength this year will be sprints and jumps as always,” said Koonce. “But we are making strides in the throws

and distance events to become a more complete track and field team.”

Track and field athletes, in general, are just happy to be able to compete again. But Koonce said the Lady Wildcats aren't just thrilled to be back on the track. They have plans for a successful season.

“Our primary goal this season is to win conference and to qualify as many girls as possible for the state meet in the process,” he said. “If we can take care of business there, then we can turn our eyes onto the ultimate prize - state.

“I'm very excited about the 2021 track team. We have a group of girls that are working very hard and that are a lot of fun to coach. We also have an excellent coaching staff that have the girls ready to roll.”