The Lakeside track and field team delivered an impressive performance at the regional meet, with standout athletes and a strong team culture driving them to victory. From individual wins to relay triumphs, both athletes and coaches point to hard work, consistency, and trust in one another as the keys to their success.
Senior hurdler Spencer Wise, who has been running track for four years, described his biggest moment at regionals as “When I got first in the 110 hurdles.” The win didn’t come as a surprise to him, but the realization still carried weight.
“I was super happy, and it felt like all my hard work paid off,” Wise said.
His performance highlights the dedication many Lakeside athletes have shown throughout the season.
Teammate Locke Attwood, a junior who has been running track since eighth grade, also contributed to the team’s success. He recalled that the most exciting moment for him was “ our team getting first in the 4×8.”
For Attwood, the victory was a reflection of the team’s unity and effort. When asked how it felt to win, he simply said it “felt good,” underscoring the satisfaction that comes from collective achievement.
As the season progressed, both athletes noted an increase in training intensity. Wise explained that “now that I have a chance to place at state, I’ve been training way harder than at the start of the season.”
Attwood echoed this sentiment, saying that earlier in the season “ the training was easy and now it’s hard because we have to show out at section and state.” Their comments reveal how the team has shifted focus toward peak performance at the most critical point in the season.
Balancing intense training with recovery has also been essential. Wise emphasized the importance of listening to his body: “ If anything ever hurts, I stop or go lighter. I also do a lot of recovery like ice baths, massages, and stretching.”
Attwood credited coaching guidance, saying athletes stay healthy by “ just listening to your coach because your coach knows how to keep you safe and not get injured.”
Head Coach Bitsko highlighted the team’s collective mindset as a major factor in their success. While speaking specifically about the distance runners, he said they are “ a dedicated bunch of kids who work hard and hold each other accountable.”
He added that many of his athletes compete in cross country as well, allowing them to build strong bonds year-round.
“They are competitive among themselves, but they are also very invested in everyone doing their best,” Bitsko said.
This culture of accountability and teamwork has helped Lakeside maintain consistency throughout the season. Bitsko described the program’s core values as “ consistency of hitting singles and doubles most days and home runs occasionally,” emphasizing steady effort over time rather than relying solely on standout performances.
Reflecting on the regional championship, Bitsko expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments. “Proud of the boys, because I know the hard work they put in to earn it,” he said
As Lakeside prepares for the next season of competition, the team’s combination of discipline, resilience, and unity positions them well for continued success.
