The Track Team Ames, Iowa

When I, Charlie Bennett, arrived at my first day of track practice as a naive freshman, I was looking to find my people and my passion. I spent my freshman year juggling multiple sports; I found success in basketball and cross country, but nothing quite felt like it was calling my name.

In a last minute, spur of the moment decision, I opted to go out for track rather than soccer after being convinced by my newfound cross country friends. It was an amazing decision. At first, I went about practice like any freshman; wide eyes, nervous for every workout, and very few friends whom I felt comfortable around. Thanks to some extremely generous coaches and hard work on my part, I found myself on the varsity squad as a freshman.

Expecting this to be a nerve racking opportunity, I wasn’t very excited. I turned out to be dead wrong. The senior boys on the distance side took me in as one of their own and I ended up having a few of the most fun months of my life and making lifelong friends.

This act of kindness and generosity showed me the wonderful environment and people which make up Ames Track. I’ve tried to replicate this kindness, and I’ve found a sense of home and passion in track.

Distance coach Ravi Bhave shares the day's workout with his endurance athletes. Ames’ track coaches do a phenomenal job of cultivating a welcoming and competitive environment. The athletes focused expressions represent the devoted athlete culture which has been developed at Ames High.

Coach Ravi Bhave hard at work planning a future workout for his athletes. Ravi is one of many of the phenomenal coaches at Ames. He puts a tremendous amount of effort into the success of his athletes performance wise and mentally. Bhave, the head cross country coach, is notorious for his fun and exciting practices, which create a safe space for athletes looking to have fun in running.

Ames Track athlete Zachary Lenkaitis enjoys a beautiful day at track practice. Zachary, like many other Ames athletes, embodies positivity and excitement surrounding the sport. Athletes like Zachary create a positive and welcoming environment for all athletes.

Athletes leave their backpacks and homework behind, as they head to their workouts. The scattered bags represent the new opportunity athletes are presented with each day. They are able to “leave behind their lives” for a few hours each day, and clear their minds as they focus on practice.

Coach Dejong helps an athlete visualize his upcoming race. Ames’ coaches are always open to chat and strategize with any of their athletes. They are extremely knowledgeable, and help each athlete to gain knowledge of the sport.

Ames runners pass the baton amidst an intense relay race. While practices set the tone for the season, and coaches create a competitive environment, there is no more competitive aspect of track than the races. This is where almost every athlete shows their teammates and competition what they can accomplish physically. These competitions give incredible athletes the chance to shine at the highest level, while also giving beginner athletes a chance to test their conditioning.