With the air starting to get frigid that means that it is almost time for the winter sports at Capital University to begin their seasons, and among them is the track and field team.
The team is under new leadership this year as BT Pham takes the reins as the new head coach of the program. Pham takes over for former head coach Hannah Weiss, who had led the team since 2015.
Pham comes to Capital from William Peace University in North Carolina where he served as the head coach of the cross country and track and field teams, helping to start their program from the ground up.
One of Pham’s best skills is being a recruiter, and he is looking to get results in that department at Capital. The current track and field team has around 35 athletes, and Pham is looking to double that number to get the team to around 65-70 athletes.
It is difficult for the university to compete as a team with such low numbers, but that isn’t going to stop them. While most of the goals for this season are on a more individual level as a result of the team size, Pham is looking at the athletes he already has to establish a new culture at Capital.
Individually, Pham believes in the talent that is already here, and while team goals might be difficult, there are athletes here who Pham believes can compete on a conference and potentially national level.
After a rough go last season, some athletes have returned to the team after taking a year off, and those returns are helping make up for time lost.
Also helping make up the losses of the graduating athletes are the first year athletes, who Pham says are settling in well. Pham is taking his time with the new athletes, but thinks the new structure is helping them get settled in.
In his first season at the helm, Pham is going back to basics with his athletes. Building a strong base and culture now will not only help for the winter season, but for the outdoor season and even further beyond.
The indoor track and field season is set to start with a two-day meet on Dec. 3 and 4 in Marietta at the first glimpse meet.
