With only 10 of its 150 student members going to CIF last season, Diamond Bar High School varsity track and field is arduously preparing to break last year’s record. The coaches hope to see more Brahmas attend the prelims as well as the team score higher overall.

“I’d like to double the amount of kids that we have advance to CIF,” head coach Sally Jarvis said.

With an increase in athletes since last season, from 150 to 202, the team is training and adapting to the larger group. The Brahmas practice daily for two and a half hours on hills, sprints, distance, and throwing.

“The bigger goal is to have many athletes win the individual events,” coach Joseph Beaudion said. “Winning league as a team will come together.”

Last season, the 4×100 team was undefeated in league, and the team hopes to defend that title. The coaches believe that being physically prepared is the best way to start off the team’s goal for the season.

“We’re trying to do something special with our 4×400 as well and I’m pretty confident in all of our events,” coach Camara Rose said.

According to Rose, seniors Papa Midley and Sophia Arnold, as well as junior Ahmad Abu Nasra, will be a few of the outstanding runners this season. While many upperclassmen will be leading the team, a large group of freshmen have also joined in this season. Freshmen Jeremiah Chukwudobe and Dylan Ang have proven to be great additions to the team, Rose said.

“We’ve got freshmen that have the gusto to challenge some of our upperclassmen, and if they continue to work as hard, I think there will be some surprises,” Rose said.

The distance team has been preparing with speed workouts in order to improve its long-distance runs. These drills consist of fast, short distance runs that work up to longer distances. In order to maintain a strong core and upper body, the team has also been working in the weight room to help keep the athletes strong.

While the rest of team continues to build its stamina, the sprint team has been focusing on new techniques to implement in the upcoming season. Coach Rose has been helping the Brahmas with their posture when running, and is helping them learn proper arm action and knee lift.

“We’ll focus on speed, focus on technique, and hopefully by the time league finals come around, the athletes will be able to put everything together,” Rose said.

Aside from the running, senior Chris Geere has been leading for the pole vault, while junior Bethany Cho has been representing long jump, according to field coach Connor Birtwhistle. The team’s first meet was held yesterday at Ayala.