Although track is known as an individual sport, what most people don’t see is what these athletes go through as a team. This year, the Louisville High School track and field team implemented a new challenge. Accountability teams were created, giving athletes the chance to lead and encourage others to improve. Holding every team member responsible, motivating others to get better with every meet, and strengthening team bonds are just a few of the many accomplishments made this year.
The way this challenge works is by adding and subtracting points from the individual teams. Positive behavior, such as getting a personal record or showing extra support to their teammates, will earn points. Negative behavior, such as being tardy to a class or having problems in class, costs team points. At the end of the season, the group with the most points will earn a reward while the losing group is given a punishment. Leaders of the teams stay on top of their points, and check in with the other team members.
Junior Kiara Trent, who is a part of the team named “Bingus Brian Blockstarters,” said, “Our team leader, Noelle, made a group chat with everybody and she texts everybody on it.”
These teams also motivate the athletes. Everyone wants to earn their team points. If they are rewarded these points, track and field members are more likely to try their best to beat their personal record. Points are also gained if these members place at meets, which motivates them to compete at their best.
Junior Brylee Peterson said, “All of our teams are competing really well at the meets. We want to make sure we are doing good and setting good expectations for ourselves.”
One aspect of these accountability teams that might not be expected is creating a closer bond between these athletes.
Peterson said, “All of the people are getting along and trying to earn points by being supportive teammates, cheering each other on, and celebrating the good things.”
Overall, this new experience has strengthened the Louisville track team in many ways. Not only by installing good qualities like respect, responsibility, and leadership, but by creating a system that pushes the team to become closer.