Titans, Knights and Thunder take to the track
Teams test their skills and fulfill goals at competition.
- posted: 06 June 2007
- scrollsports@byui.edu
The Titans, Knights and Thunder met to test their skills June 1 and 2 at the BYU-Idaho Stadium for the third track and field meet this summer.
Each athlete had a chance to participate in one or more of the 15 different events, as chosen by his or her coach. While each athlete tried to help his or her team get the win, there was also more involvement in the competition.
“Getting involved is what it’s all about at BYU-Idaho. We have a great opportunity to have fun, make lots of friends and get in shape while we’re at it,” said Greg Dixon, a junior from Kaysville, Utah, and one of the Thunder team members.
Dixon wasn’t alone in this assessment. “It’s a great social sport that is fun and allows you to meet others,” said Elisabeth Newman, a junior from La Center, Wash., and a Knights team member.
While some participate in track and field for the social aspect, others participate to see what they can do.
“You don’t have to have experience because there are all levels of competition that will allow you to learn and get better here,” said Jon Fackrell, a senior from Woodburn, Ore., and a Thunder team member.
Fackrell was originally a tennis player. “I wasn’t very good at it, so during my junior year of high school I switched to track and field. I decided to try track and field because my sister was in it,” Fackrell said.
Others got into track and field from a desire. “I started track and field before I was in junior high. I loved running, and track and field allowed me to express myself,” Dixon said.
Others do it for the competitive spirit. “My older brother ran, and I loved to run. I followed him to see how we’d compare,” said David Hayes, a junior from Greencastle, Ind., and a Titans team member.
Participating not only produces friendship and competition, it also encourages athletes to make goals. “I am able to set goals and challenge myself,” Newman said. “Currently my goal is to get better each week through practice.”
Those with previous experience also agree. “This is my first semester doing track and field since high school. I’d like to try and get down to the same times I had in high school,” Hayes said.
Track and field meets will continue to be held through the first week of July. 
