Undeterred by the number of newcomers to the team, the Diamond Bar High School track and field team has been improving their placings at meets this season.

“Compared to the last track and field season, many of us are more prepared and know what is necessary for our improvement based off the typical practices and our attendance to many meets,” junior distance runner Frederick Yang said.

On March 3, the Brahmas competed at the Brea Olinda Invitational. The boys placed second and the girls seventh. According to head coach Malinalli Cooke, this is the best the boys have done at a meet when compared to past years. The boys high jump, throwers 4x100m, sprint medley and the girls 4x200m all ranked second in the relays.

The Brahmas also competed at a preseason dual meet against Walnut on March 8. The boys lost by only four points while the girls lost by 36 points.

“Those two meets were just to see what the kids can do, and it was a chance to get our rosters set,” Cooke said. “So far, I believe that they are definitely improving, especially the boys.”

This year, Cooke has managed to utilize full-time coaches for most events, after having trouble with coaches last year. Etania Cheng, a 2017 DBHS alumna and past varsity pole vaulter, is coaching as a part-time pole vault coach, while Jim Schmidt is a working as a part-time high jump coach as well.

“Getting coaches in is one of my main priorities because last year, I was not able to get full-time coaches,” Cooke said. “Having full time coaches will give the players more continuity with their training.”

Senior shot put and discus captain Samantha Blazek foresees a successful year with the players, even though most of them are new.  

 “I think the team is coming together really well because so far, I have seen a lot of improvement in the players even though most of them are new,” Blazek said.

Prior to the season, the Brahmas trained based on their specific events. The jump coaches helped the team work on its technique, leg strength and core strength. The throwers worked on their weight training while runners have been striving to improve their stamina and drilling on sprint training.

“We do high intensity training to get their cardiovascular system and strength up,” Cooke said. “Individually the kids are focusing on getting a PR [personal record], and each week, they are getting a little bit better.”

The Brahmas will be competing at the Chino Relays at Chino High School on March 24.