As the Lobos gear up for another competitive track and field season, senior leaders say they’re driven, motivated, and ready to push their team toward a strong finish, possibly all the way to state.
Senior sprinter Kaeicyn Stevens enters his final season with big expectations for himself and his teammates.
“I am looking forward to the track season,” Stevens said. “I’m most excited for the new opportunities and the offers that this season provides for me.”
To reach those goals, Stevens has developed a training routine that focuses not just on physical conditioning but also on studying the sport and improving his mentality.
“I pray and watch people’s run videos,” Stevens said.
He explained that learning from past mistakes has been an important part of his growth. One of his biggest adjustments came from reevaluating the way he prepares for races.
“Not knowing how to warm up properly, I took procedures to finally start warming up the way I’m supposed to,” Stevens said.
Stevens also embraces the pressure that comes with competition, using it as fuel rather than letting it slow him down.
“I use my nerves to run better along with watching the other runners,” Stevens said.
Despite the hectic schedule that comes with being a student-athlete, he makes an effort to keep his academics on track.
“I try to do my work on the bus or at the meet to make sure I get everything done,” Stevens said.
His biggest motivation, however, comes from home.
“My mom, I want to help her in the future,” Stevens said. “I have always wanted to help her financially.”
With all that in mind, he enters this season with a clear vision of what he wants to accomplish.
“As a team, I want to go to state. Individually, I want to get a full ride to a good college,” Stevens said.
He also credits his coach for keeping him on track, both literally and figuratively.
“The coach, he is very motivating and he is a really funny guy,” Stevens said.
Fellow senior Heebra Rehman shares her excitement and said she’s ready to make this year her strongest yet.
“I’m looking forward to track season, and I’m most excited about getting new personal records,” Rehman said.
With the club season starting on December 17 and school track meets beginning in February, Rehman is already mentally and physically preparing for what lies ahead.
“To prepare myself mentally before a big race, I make sure to stretch very well and control my breathing,” Rehman said.
Looking back, she believes the lessons she learned, especially during technical work, have shaped her into a smarter athlete.
“One mistake was learning how to use blocks, but I wasn’t pushing hard enough on them, so I couldn’t go as fast,” Rehman said.
When competition gets intense, she relies on a calm and positive mindset to help her stay focused.
“I handle pressure by speaking positive affirmations to myself in my head and taking a breath in and out calmly,” Rehman said.
She, too, understands the challenge of balancing academics with athletics. Even on race days, she works to keep up with her schoolwork.
“Even though I’m nervous, I work on my homework when I’m not running so I don’t fall behind,” Rehman said.
Her motivation comes from her determination to keep improving. She said that believing in her own progress is what pushes her forward.
“I stay motivated by telling myself I’ll continue to get better as long as I keep working,” Rehman said.
Rehman hopes her final season is one filled with progress, both individually and alongside her teammates.
“I’m hoping to achieve goals of getting faster, and I hope we can score big together as a team,” Rehman said.
What keeps her connected to the sport, she added, is the supportive environment the team has built.
“My favorite part about being on this team is the people and how welcoming everyone is,” Rehman said.
With seniors like Stevens and Rehman leading the way, the Lobo track team steps into the season with confidence, discipline, and a determination to make this year their strongest yet.
