LBHS track and field team has a new head coach this season, Michael Salaz. He has coached cross country before and is excited to help the team improve.
“I’ve always liked coaching and helping athletes do their best,” Salaz said.
He added, “We didn’t have a head coach for a while, so I wanted to make sure the team had a good season.”
Salaz said coaching cross country taught him a lot about endurance and mental toughness, which also helps in track. The hardest part has been coaching so many different events.
“In cross country, everyone trains the same way, but in track, sprinters, throwers, jumpers, and distance runners all need different kinds of training,” he said. “Luckily, we have a great coaching staff to help.”
His main goal for the season is to help athletes improve and do their best at meets. He also wants them to learn about hard work, responsibility, and not giving up.
More than anything, Salaz hopes the team works together and supports each other. “I want everyone to finish the season knowing they got better and were part of a team,” he said.
He is excited to see what the team can accomplish this year! The first match was March 1 at Patterson invitational.
The next event is the Merced County Championships at 10 a.m. in Merced.
