As we approach the final stretch of the year, sports teams are gearing up for the NCS and EBALS championships this weekend. Teams are intensifying their training regimens to demonstrate their prowess in these championship games. With a new coach at the helm, Coach Robert unveils his game plan for the season. Reflecting on the preparations for the upcoming events, Coach Robert, who leads the pole vault team, sheds light on the training process.
Coaches lead their players to success
“This is my second year of coaching. My son was in track and I said to him, “Hey, try out for the pole vault team” and he came back saying there was no pole vault team. So I found out it was because they didn’t have a coach, and next thing I knew I was the coach. I had never coached before. I did know how to pole vault, but I didn’t know all the steps. It was an intense first year, learning all the steps and it’s a learning experience. Most coaches say you don’t really know what you’re doing until you’ve coached for four years,” said Robert.
Meanwhile, other sports teams are also gearing up for the season finales. The swim team, under the guidance of new coaches, has been diligently training every school day in preparation for the upcoming games. Varsity and JV teams undergo tailored training sessions based on their respective events, ensuring comprehensive preparation for the challenges ahead.
The logistics of it all
“Well, EBALs is at the end of the year, so it’s a different mindset. During the beginning of the year you’re trying to get as strong and as high as you can in pole vaulting. Now when EBALs showed up, we were not so much interested in the strength aspect, it’s fine tuning,” said Robert.
The league is divided into two divisions: the Valley Division and the Mountain Division, each comprising twelve teams. The competition follows a single-elimination bracket format, with the winners advancing. The final showdown takes place at a neutral venue, marking the culmination of the season.
On the other hand, “NCS” refers to the North Coast Sectionals, where elite athletes from over 150 schools compete. Participants are grouped into teams based on skill level: 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, and the B team. These teams engage in matches until they either emerge victorious or are eliminated from the competition.
