As the T.F. South boys’ track and field team prepares for a new season, head coach Stephen Nelson is eager to witness the growth and improvement of his athletes.
With years of coaching experience, including a transition from basketball to track and field, Nelson thrives on the sport’s focus on continuous development. “I’ve been coaching for a long time and started with basketball,” Nelson said. “Eventually, I transitioned into track and field, and I really enjoy the continuous improvement aspect of the sport.” His passion stems from observing athletes push their limits and achieve personal bests.
According to Nelson, with a strong group of returning athletes, he is optimistic about the upcoming season. “The sophomores from last year are back, and I’m looking forward to their development,” he said. “We have a strong returning group this year, and I’m excited to see how they progress.”
Leading the team this season is David Nkwogu, a state qualifier in the triple jump and 300-meter hurdles. “He’s a key player for us, and we’re excited for his continued development,” Nelson said. Another standout is sophomore Pier Dennis, who was just an inch away from qualifying for state last year. “Expect big things from him too,” he added.
Nelson said that he and his coaching staff have emphasized core training and refining different phases of training. “We want our athletes to hold themselves accountable and to continue improving every day,” he said.
Beyond competition, Nelson values the life lessons that track teaches. “We emphasize controlling what we can control,” he said. “Track teaches you to overcome obstacles, and that’s something we really stress.”
With more than 100 athletes trying out this season, team chemistry remains a priority for Nelson. “We’ll focus on fostering camaraderie through practices and events like scavenger hunts,” he said. “The goal is to have a team that supports one another and grows together.”
With a dedicated team and a coach committed to improvement, T.F. South is poised for an exciting season.
