With the advent of another spring season of sports, some teams are feeling rejuvenated by an influx of new faces and talent, bringing an air of optimism to coaches and teammates alike.
With the advent of another spring season of sports, some teams are feeling rejuvenated by an influx of new faces and talent, bringing an air of optimism to coaches and teammates alike.
Optimism is a virtue to be sought for any team, for sure, but it takes bodies willing to make sacrifices to succeed. For West Geauga Wolverines girls track, this is beginning to look like possibly the leanest of seasons.
Still, the cause is not lost.
“This looks like it’s going to be one of those seasons for us,” Coach Mike Taurasi said after a recent practice. “We’ve only got 18 girls out this year. Things change from year to year, and some of the girls we had thought would come out for our track program decided to try lacrosse or softball. That said, we’ll just need to do with what we have here now and hope for the best.
“The girls will give it their best, for sure — they always have — but it’s not so bad for young people to look at other sports, too. Some have the skill sets to achieve great things, but from time to time, the scenarios change and kids aren’t sure what they like best or are best at, so they need to give other things a try. I can’t begrudge them that.”
When the number of bodies is limited, other things also come into play, particularly injuries. That bug has hit the Wolverines hard in recent years, and already has hammered Coach Taurasi’s team.
Senior sprinter Grace Laster — who has put speed on any playing field she has set foot on since her freshman season at Newbury High, before she assimilated into being a Wolverine — finished off her senior basketball season by arriving for track practice with one foot in a walking boot. Laster has played a major role in sprint events and the Wolverines 4×400 relay team, so missing her will make West G’s shortage even greater.
Since there’s nothing Coach Taurasi can do about it, he’ll look to those who still are able to compete to achieve.
Two of those athletes, carrying a load of the Wolverines’ minimal experience, are Megan McGinnis and Taylor Deets. Both have had some successes for West Geauga, but unless some very young athletes step up in a major way in a hurry, the Wolverines won’t provide much competition for opponents this season.
In the meantime, the girls will give it their best shot.
