As the grass begins to grow back and many are looking forward to warm weather and sunny days, the spring season means a little bit more to a handful of Xavier athletes and coaches. It means getting out the spikes, setting up the starting blocks and preparing to put on a Xavier Track uniform. Head Boys Track Coach and Xavier teacher Russ Camacho is excited to see what a new track season brings. Camacho has coached track for 23 years of his life, 21 of which have been at Xavier High School. To Camacho, there is little to not be excited for during this time of the year. “I love pretty much everything about track. I really enjoy the different events in track, which give a lot of athletes opportunities to be successful. It is the only sport that has so much variation,” Camacho said. Alongside with the leadership of Coach Camacho as well as other coaches, some athletes are also ready to step up to the plate in order to be a leader on the team. Senior Will Hiserote is already focused on his goals for the season and has an idea on how the team can reach these. “I feel entering the track season as a senior/track captain gives me a little more responsibility. We have the athletes [to be successful]; we just need to work hard and stay healthy. This year [our goal is] for more people to qualify for Drake and State with a few returning qualifiersfrom last year,” Hiserote said. Hard work is a common goal across the team as well as the coaching staff. “The start of the season is all about getting everyone physically prepared to run their best. We will be setting goals this week…working on our mental toughness is also something that is a key for success. You have to come to the track ready to do your best,” Camacho said. Another incoming senior leader and captain for Xavier Track is Jordan Jansen. This is Jansen’s third year as a part of Xavier Girls Track Team and she is more than ready to take her position as a leader. “My sophomore year we lost a lot of seniors so entering the season my junior year I already had big shoes I hadto fill. Senior year has just increased the leadership role and my responsibilities as a captain,” Jansen said. Along with many strong leaders on the team, the rest of the team is also feeling ready for the season and ready to get to work. “We have a pretty solid connection with the people returning,” Hiserote said. The connection within the team is something that is believed to be a big part of this season and the success to come. “As a team last year we were pretty strong, especially towards the end of the season. The girls that were able to make it to state definitely have a strong bond coming in. I’m excited about getting closer with my teammates, making memories, and making it to state this year,” Jansen said. Overall, the team has the same goals for success and plan on achieving these by working hard and making strong connections with their teammates. Practices began the week of February 21 for those athletes not involved in the post season of a winter sport. The boys will kick off their season on March 14 at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls for the MVC Indoor Meet. The girls will follow on March 15, also at the UNI Dome. Both meets are to begin at 4:30 p.m.