The Medicine Hat Panthers Track and Field Club held their 6th Annual Indoor Meet on Saturday.
Sprinters partook in both hurdles and long distance sprints, with many preparing and training for the seasons zones and provincial tournaments.
Over 70 athletes from regional schools, colleges and even those wanting to test their abilities went to the indoor track meet at the Big Marble Go Center.
According to Panther’s head coach Sonya Brown, Medicine Hat has a deep roster of track stars that competes well at the Alberta provincial level.
“Honestly, I’m so proud of the track community in Medicine Hat,” Brown said.
“When we show up and compete against Calgary or big city clubs like in Edmonton, our track athletes work hard and can really stand their ground at those meets,” she said.
“I’m just really proud of that the community has grown, the level of athletes that we have and how competitive and successful they are is amazing.”
“We have some amazing athletes here in Medicine Hat.”
Eddie Hicks has been a Panther since he was a child and now has his sights set on zone and provincial tournaments for sprints, hurdles and long jump.
As a multi-sport athlete, Hicks said that there are similarities between events but that the small differences can be challenging.
“For sprints, you have this drive phase where you go up like a plane basically,” Hicks explained.
“You keep your head down until the 50th meter and then you start raising your head,” he said.
“For hurdles, you have to get up straight right away so you can jump over that hurdle and it has to be consistent. You have to be fast for hurdles.”
Hicks said that he plans on participating in track and field at the collegiate level.
Brown said that athletes participating in different events isn’t surprising and has a lot of pride for what the Panthers have been able to accomplish.
“I’m just so excited and proud, as a coach and a longstanding member of the Panthers track club, to see these athletes work so hard and see them showcase their talent,” she said.
“It takes a lof to come out here to train and put yourself out there. I’m just really proud of the outcome today.”
Brown said that all athletes are eagerly awaiting the start of the outdoor season which is slated to start at the beginning of May.
