Experienced and Ready

Coaches Experience 

The team has grown so much in the last few years WHS thanks the head coach Stephan Arvanis for coaching and helping our girl’s Track and Field team. Coach Arvanis helped the team push through some of their biggest events the Drake Relays and State Meet. “We were well represented this year at both events! We, coaches, were very proud of how well they competed at each event as well”, Arvanis stated. “Seeing the growth over time, I love it when someone puts in so much work and sees improvements and accomplishments better than they thought possible.” He stated when asked what’s his favorite thing about coaching track and field. Stephan Arvanis has been coaching for quite some time, he states “The sport changed my life for the better and I had great coaches along the way to guide me. Coaching is a way to give back to the sport that made such an impact on my life.” 

Players Experience

The WHS Girl’s Track And Field team has grown exponentially over the past few years. The team’s success has been shown through them winning State Championships eight times (2009, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021), also including a 2021 championship crown. This team has grown so much that it is now one of the top programs in the state of Iowa. 

Junior Summer Nichols, has been running in Iowa games since she was 5 years old and has loved the sport ever since. At the Winterset Interventional 4×100 Summer finished second place with a time of 53.38 with Senior Brynn Herren. “My favorite thing would be participating in meets because the environment is always exciting and everyone is super supportive whether you’re close to them or not.” Senior Brynn Herren’s softball coach brought up running track to her, it was an excellent way for her to stay in shape and try something new at the same time. “This season I’ve done great at races and meeting new people,” Brynn responded when asked what are some things she’s accomplished this season. Freshman Natalie Sitzmann has always enjoyed watching races and knew that it would be something she’d want to do in the future, “I love when we have hard practices where it’s really hot and then getting to take ice baths after.” Natalie answered when asked what’s her favorite thing about the sport.

Biggest Challenges

Staying motivated plays a very important role when it comes to playing any sport, having something that keeps you motivated can improve your skills and the way you perform. 

“My motivation comes from wanting to PR (personal record) because the feeling after you run your best race is amazing and having everyone come up to support you after just makes everything so much more exciting.” Junior Summer Nichols stated. When playing sports there can be a big mental barrier, especially when you get injured or feel as if you’re not doing your best. “In practice some days it can be really hard trying to figure out when you can keep going or when you need to stop. Another mentality is when you don’t run your best, which can affect your mood for the rest of the night because you feel as though you could have done better.” Summer answered when asked what’s the most challenging part of the track. Senior Brynn Herren responded to the same question with; “Some of the biggest challenges were being confident and balancing life being a multisport athlete.” Junior Summer Nichols states, “I have run varsity the entire season and have gotten a PR (personal record) in multiple events and I will be running at the state qualifying meet so I can hopefully qualify for state.” When asked what is something she’s accomplished this season. “I wanted to make new friends and I did. I found a new race that I am good at and I got 3rd at the conference meet and keep improving my times.” Freshman Natalie Sitzmann stated.