Head coach Marcy Krolikowski welcomed two new coaches: Jared Gegzna and Landon Chapin.
Distance coach Chapin ran the mile in high school and took the opportunity to coach to connect with students outside the classroom.
“It’s a good way to meet kids who I wouldn’t ordinarily meet,” Chapin said. “I can help build relationships in that way.”
Throwing coach Gegzna had experience coaching throws, wrestling, football, and strength and conditioning. Gegzna saw the effort of athletes and his own growth as a coach.
They’re “a good hardworking group,” Gegzna said. “Here’s another opportunity to coach. I really have grown to enjoy track and learn the intricate details.”
Krolikowski noted how the new coaches made it easier for athletes to get the attention and proper training they needed.
“It makes it easier so they can have more one-on-one, slower group work,” Krolikowski said. “Some kids are developing, and they’re helping some kids get to a higher level.”
Chapin emphasized the importance of being present and attentive to athletes’ needs.
Coaches are “there to support the kids,” Chapin said. “Constructive feedback is mainly paying very close attention to your athletes and figuring out where it is they need to improve.”
Gegzna enjoyed that he gave athletes their feedback quickly and helped them develop.
“The nice thing is you have a couple of throwers up at a time,” Gegzna said. “I can sit there and make real-time, corrective feedback. We take videos … and break down film.”
Chapin felt that his athletes should use accountability to work on their personal growth.
“Expectations for them moving forward is to set their own expectations for themselves,” Chapin said. “I like to think that they feel supported.”
Gegzna understood that progress was measured not just by big milestones, but the small improvements athletes made during the season.
Although the team experienced frequent coaching changes in previous years, Krolikowski emphasized the importance of leadership and consistency. Krolikowski gave praise to the throwing coaches, including Gegzna for being consistent.
“They’re intense coaches, which they need for throws, so they’re consistent,” Krolikowski said. “They push the kids to get past their limits, and I think the kids appreciate that routine and consistency.”
