Following the success of last season, the De Soto High School track and field  team has begun another season. With the cold, snowy weather, the first few practices had to be held indoors.

“The first week was rough, we had some days off, and it’s hard sometimes to practice when it’s cold,” long distance coach Chris McAfee said.

While seniors play a big role on every team, in practices, seniors lead warm-ups and help encourage the underclassmen.

“We have a really good group of seniors, they are very positive and set a great example, so that’s been really helpful. With the rough start with the weather and everything they’ve taken the strides and setting the example on how people should react,” McAfee said.

Sophomore Tori Marshall finished last season as a 4A State Champion in the 100m dash and holds the school record for the 100m and 200m. After tearing her ACL during basketball season, Marshall has not had time to prepare for her second track season.

“Its been much more mental than physical. I no longer have any pain [in my knee] but I’m having to train my mind not to push myself as hard as I’m used. I’m no where close to one hundred percent yet, but I’ll get there,” Marshall said.

McAfee wants the kids to compete, improve over the course of the year and enjoy the season.

“We’ve got some kids that are going to be able to score well in big meets, so we obviously want to do well in our league meet and at the end of the year at the State meet,” McAfee said. “It’s just trying to find that balance between helping everybody improve, enjoy it, and have success versus the team success also.”