The girls track and field season began last month, as it would any other year. However, this year, the team will be under the guidance of a completely new coaching staff. New to the team will be head coach Kendra Hutchinson, along with English teacher Sarah Wattar and Consumer Education teacher Amy Zaba. The coaches will be looked upon to help continue the success that the team has already had in the past.

The team will travel to North Central College tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. to take on several schools in the Wheeling Indoor Invite. This will be the fifth meet in the young season, so seniors know it is important to be a role model for the younger members.

“I always try to be a leader for this team whenever I can,” senior Kaila Day said. “Demonstrating a positive attitude is huge, and I try to display that above all.”

Coach Hutchinson will be entering her ninth full season as a track and field coach, but this will be her first year coaching for BG. The team has been welcoming to their new coaches, and are willing to adjust to all the changes.

  “This team is very hard working,” Hutchinson said. “[The players] always come to practice wanting to improve.”

While there are a few seniors on the team who provide extra leadership alongside  the coaches, the majority of the team is composed of sophomores and juniors. However, the younger members are just as aware of the positive influences the coaches have brought.

“The new coaches have been amazing for us this year,” junior Michelle Pindrik said. “They each bring something unique to the team and have brought a new energy as well.”

As a former track and field runner for BG, Hutchinson will carry over new techniques to the team to help the girls improve their skills for their individual events.

“[Coach  Hutchinson] is knowledgeable on all the modern techniques that athletes utilize,” Day said. “She’s also created a sense of family to the team.”

The season may just be starting up, but the girls are already aware that with the help of their coaches, they can achieve success this season. According to Pindrik, the coaches, along with the athletes, are focused on winning their events and improving individually.

The mix of youth and veteran leadership are sure to provide an interesting start for the new coaches as they embark on their coaching journey at BG.

“This team has a lot of potential,” Hutchinson said. “Our younger members are constantly improving. Our future is definitely bright.”