As Spring rapidly approaches, Abraham Lincoln runners and coaches prepare for the upcoming boys and girls track and field seasons.

Sophomore runner Emma O’Neal explained the beneficial differences this season could potentially hold in store.

“Practices are going to be increasing our endurance because the weather has been cooperating this year,” said O’Neal. “The previous year we were more focused on the weight room because we weren’t able to go outside and do intense workouts that we are able to do now.”

Along with practice goals and alterations, O’Neal also explained the kinds of goals the team expects to accomplish this year.

“The coaches want to take multiple events to the Drake Relays and to State this year,” said O’Neal. “I want to strive to help my relay qualify for the Drake Relays since we didn’t qualify last year.”

Freshman runner for the boys team, Lucas Fitch, also explained his ambitious goals for the coming season.

“The team wants to win big meets and always be competitive,” said Fitch. “The ultimate goal is qualifying for state.”

Fitch explained what kind of things the team is completing in order to have a successful season.

“I want to get better, and the team wants to be better,” said Fitch. “We’re working harder than ever.”

As days until competition diminish, O’Neal reflected on positive memories from the previous year. 

“My favorite memories were going to meets and being around my teammates and just having fun on the field,” O’Neal said. “I loved cheering for my teammates’ events and being a team player.”

Stoop reflected on success from the last season and plans for this year’s season. 

“We lost a good group of senior girls last year. A lot of them were state competitors,” Stoop said. “I definitely think that the girls that we have currently are fully capable of doing some awesome things and competing at the state meet.”

Despite senior losses from last year, Stoop projected the ambitious goals the team has for this coming season

“We wanna make sure that we’re Council Bluffs Relays champions and that we are conference champs,” Stoop said. “Hopefully we get at least 6-10 events in the state meet.”

“I think our team is still really strong,” Stoop said.“We have great athletes and great hard workers.”

UPDATE: In order to take precautionary measures for the safety of the athletes and the community, all spring sports have been postponed for four weeks until further notice as of March 16, 2020.