Photo credit: Ian DuVernay

NEW COACHES, NEW NORMAL | Upon the introduction of new sprint coach Erinne Lubienski, track members took on a change within their typical routine, according to junior Mimi Trupiano. “It definitely changed because people had to get used to different rules and different ways that we did practice and workouts.”

Swiftly taking on the hurdles on and off the track, the girls track team has faced interruptions within their routine. Changes in the coaching staff have posed new hurdles for their team, as the recent departure of the two girls sprint coaches required only one of the positions to be filled. 

The shifting of staff and the addition of the new coach to the team does not worry Head Coach Diane Montgomery. She believes that team chemistry remains strong and communication is still open and secure.

“We have 10 coaches on the track and field staff, so most athletes have worked closely with at least one coach so far,” Montgomery said. “We also have a fine group of captains who help keep the communication open between their team members and the coaching staff.”

Filling the open position is part-time Coach Erinne Lubienski, who agreed to work with the team a few weeks before the season’s start. As a North alumni, Lubienski is excited to be able to coach and work with the team. She’s aware of the challenges attached to being a new coach, but she also believes that the changes can be beneficial to the team. 

“I’ve also found that although having a new coach is challenging, it also can provide different learning opportunities for the team and provide different perspectives,” Lubienski said. 

Recognizing the challenges the team has faced, is junior sprinter Mimi Trupiano who acknowledges that many people left the team in response to the coaches’ departure, but ultimately she gives credit to the current coaches for being supportive.

“If they see that our coaches still give us a really good support system and if our team gets a lot better this year, that might bring back some people,” Trupiano said. 

Although the departure of the two previous track coaches can be upsetting to some runners, focusing on the future of the team and moving forward will be beneficial for team members and coaches alike. Montgomery hopes for students to reach their full potential and achieve their goals working hard at the various events the track team participates in.

 “We always hope to foster hard work and personal achievements in our athletes,” Montgomery said. “We also like for each athlete to find events that are the best fit. Of course, winning some meets and qualifying as many athletes to the state finals as possible are yearly goals. We compete in MAC Red, though, which fields some of the best track teams in the state of Michigan. So we prefer to stay focused on helping our athletes improve and earn personal best performances throughout the season.”