As winter sports end, spring sports begin. The Xavier boys’ track team is looking to have a competitive season under leadership from senior captains, Carson Hennings, Christian Klein, Aaron Larson, Nate Skala, and junior captain, Tyler Dupont.

Being a captain comes with many responsibilities such as, setting a good example on and off of the track.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to be a captain,” Klein said. “I plan and hope to be a role model this season through my actions and my work ethic.”

The team has already set goals this year, one of which is making it to state. Not only does the team have this goal, but Coach Russ Camacho does as well.

“I believe all teams should have a goal to qualify for state in as many events as possible,” Coach Camacho said. “I would also like to have all of the athletes have success, plus get stronger and faster.”

Skala believes in order to accomplish these team goals, everyone has to put forth their best effort during each and every practice.

“I think this season we could be really solid,” Skala said. “I am going to push the pace a little more than people might be used to so they can get stronger.”

For Hennings, the competitiveness of the sport is what he loves the most.

“My favorite part about track is being able to compete for that win every race,” Hennings said. “It is one of the best feelings when I get first and get to see my name on the big screen.”

Although the wins and losses are important to the team, Coach Camacho believes how the team responds to adversity is even more important.

“It will be interesting to see how hard the seniors will work this year and how they choose to be remembered,” Coach Camacho said.

The boys had their first indoor meet on Tuesday, March 5 at Wartburg College. They then attended the Mississippi Valley Conference Indoor Meet on Monday, March 11 held at the University of Northern Iowa. The team participated in another indoor meet on Tuesday, March 12 at Iowa State University. Their next meet is on Thursday, March 21 at 3:30 p.m. at Case Field in Washington, Iowa.