As the outdoor track season begins, so do the track meets filled with competitive races. Not only do athletes run short sprint and long distance, they also participate in field events such as jumping, pole vault, shot put and discus. Many consider track a sport that is strictly for running, but field events allow athletes to showcase their talent in areas other than speed and endurance.

Jumping is broken down into three types: long jump, high jump and triple jump. Long jumpers must run down the track then jump to cover as much distance as possible. High jumpers are required to sprint and leap over a bar that gets higher after each jump. “I like the feeling of making it over the bar and moving on to the next round,” said sophomore Sami Drummond. The triple jump consists of a running start and three quick jumps, trying to jump as far as possible.

Pole vault is an event that requires great upper body strength and coordination. In order to make it over the 12 to 15 feet-high bar, athletes must sprint down a runway and plant the pole in the ground. Pole vaulters do not focus on running, and instead work on strengthening their arm muscles. Although these workouts are difficult, the results are rewarding. “We do a lot of pull-ups and painful workouts, but they help us get better before meets,” said freshman Sarah Adams.

Shot put is a throwing event in which a weighted ball, or shot, is pushed into the air for distance. Similar to shot put, discus athletes work on throwing a metal disc the greatest distance possible. During practice, throwers separate from the runners and go over techniques used to get a better throw.

Not only do athletes who participate in field events get to show off their talent at meets, they also have the chance to meet people from other schools. “I’ve gotten to meet guys from other schools and we all know each other,” said junior Hunter Simon.