Back on track

I didn’t go out for track and field my senior year.

I regret that decision.

I didn’t have anywhere near the talent to make it to state.

I did, however, have the ability to finish strong. I let it slip right through my fingers, like the ping of a baton crashing to the ground on a bad handoff.

I don’t want to miss out on another opportunity like that again.

Nothing in life comes easy.

That is often lost in today’s society, where a few swipes on a phone can make you feel like you’re falling behind the pack.

But guess what?

Life isn’t a race.

Life is about doing what makes you happy.

Track & Field Honor Roll: April 22

Some people follow the same lanes, while others jump around to see what else is out there.

Much like life, track and field has something to offer for everyone. That’s the beauty of the sport.

If you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll find a place that’s right for you.

I’m still trying to figure out where my spot is.

I’ve been told I have a “gift” for telling stories. It’s something I enjoy doing, but it ultimately isn’t something that pays the bills for me anymore.

Striving to find that sweet spot of balancing my writing into my life is where I’m at.

My goal has always been to have my own publication. It’s been in the back of my mind ever since I started colleting NFL and college football preview magazines as a kid.

I’m extremely thankful and proud of what I’ve accomplished thus far as writer. Wait, scratch that – a storyteller.

My story isn’t done yet.

I was pleased in the fall with the coverage I could provide for high school football, but I felt I was spinning my wheels and not going anywhere with developing a product that was fresh and different.

So, I took a break from high school sports over the winter (Yes, I did miss wrestling a lot).

I didn’t attend or watch one event. The closest I came to a high school gym was attending a couple of youth basketball tournaments.

Article: G.B. Southwest’s Keener finds stride

I read a lot about the changes in media. I probably read too much to be honest.

I feel at a national level, coverage is adapting. Subscriptions sites, like The Athletic, are finding a place to tell stories.

That’s all fine and dandy for pro and major college sports. But what’s going to happen at the local level?

I’m still curious about it. I feel few people – if any – have figured out a sustainable business model to provide local coverage.

That’s why I’m appearing on your screen again and sharing with you my forgettable exploits as a high school track and field athlete.

Before giving up on the sport one year too early, I was a hurdler back in the day.

Later, when I started covering the sport as a reporter, people often asked me what I felt the most challenging event is. I’m biased, but I feel the 300-meter hurdles is hands down the toughest one.

There are barriers, yet it requires quickness, strength and endurance to complete.

I’m not making any promises about how much coverage I’ll be able to provide for the remainder of the track and field season.

I hope I can make it through the final hurdle to telling stories through the WIAA state track and field meet in La Crosse.

I just feel the need to get back on track and see where it takes me.

At the very least, I can make an attempt at finishing strong this time.