The boys track season has begun, and athletes such as sophomore Tory Pittman and senior Ike Ackerman are planning to sharpen their tools this season and win. Last year, Ackerman won shot put and placed second in discus throw, and Pittman placed fifth in long jump. 

 Ackerman plans to break the Class A state record in shot put, as well as the all-class record in shot put. Class A record is 64 feet and 9.5 inches, and the all-class record is 66 feet and 11.5 inches. Ackerman threw 63 feet and 4 inches at state last year, just a few feet away from the Class A record.  

The team is very confident and ready coming into this season.  

“I don’t think there’s a lot different we can do, I think it’s just about sharpening the tools you already have, I just plan to go a lot harder this year,” Ackerman said.  

Last year, Ackerman was a junior competing in discus and faced doubts about his size. He competed against bigger and heavier-set guys. However, that gave him motivation to strive and accomplish his goals.  

“People saying that I’m too small to do it motivated me,” Ackerman said.  

Motivation can help with positive outcomes and achieving goals. Pittman was motivated by being a freshman on varsity and wanting to win state. He went to state hoping to achieve a four-peat last year, but did not achieve it, ultimately placing fifth in long jump at 22 feet and 6.25 inches. He’s planning to now achieve winning state for a three-peat and jumping 24 feet in long jump.  

Other leaders last year, such as Maurice Sherrod, were great collaborators and competitors. He placed fifteenth in the state, jumping 20 feet and 10 inches. His focus for this year is showing dedication and effort.  

“I want to focus on jumping and the 100-meter dash,” Pittman said.  

They’re ready to work hard with competing and advancing their skills to be even greater than last year; focused and more ready than ever for the season.  

So far this year Ackerman has thrown 64 feet and 8 inches, just an inch and a half away from the Class A record and thrown discus at 160 feet and 7 inches.