This year’s Track and Field team started with hard work and dedication, dominating in events such as distance running, throwing, hurdling, sprinting, and jumping.
“I’ve been running for four years and came to really love the sport,” said Kyle Choe, one of the captains. “My role is only a small part of a larger team effort, but for me it’s important to show up every week for my team.” He explained some of the responsibilities of being one of the team captains. “It isn’t really anything special. It’s about how you conduct yourself and lead by example.”
Team spirit is on an all time high this year, working together harder than ever to succeed. “My favorite part about track is the friends I’ve made,” said freshman Siri Umeh. “They give me motivation by cheering me on when I run and teach me tips on how to get better.” Even though it’s her first time competing with the Cypress team, they already feel like family.
Junior Katrina Sokolowski, another captain, jumped a mark of five feet and four inches at her first meet of the season. “I opened at my PR (personal record), which is pretty good, but it’s been challenging. I feel like opening the season strong gave me lots of pressure to succeed and many expectations.” This year Cypress moved up to the Crestview League, a more competitive and difficult league. “I definitely think we can improve, but I think we’re doing pretty good.”
League prelims and finals are coming up soon, determining who gets in the CIF. Head Coach John Eyman encourages his athletes. “Even if sometimes things don’t go the right way, hard work is going to always pay off at the end.” Eyman’s favorite part about coaching at Cypress is watching his athletes succeed. “Watching the kids improve after how hard they worked and seeing the smile on their face when they have a PR, which is a personal record, is great.”
Since 1998, Eyman has built a program defined by consistency, discipline, and belief. But most of all, Eyman has made connections with hundreds of athletes he still maintains today. Awards like Orange County Coach of the Year recognize a great season, his track culture is something greater—a career, a culture, and a legacy that’s lasted for over 25 years.
Cypress also had recently installed a new track, improving the team’s performance. In the past with Cypress’ dirt track, practice was often cancelled due to mud and puddles after rain. “We don’t lose practice days, that’s the best thing about having a facility,” said Eyman. Cypress High School is also hosting league prelims and the junior high meet this year.
The season is also coming to an end with the Canyon Dual Meet and Crestview League Preliminaries coming up. The team is striving for the best to finish off strong with much more to come.
