Perhaps the biggest challenge the Parkland boys track and field team has had this season is actually having a season.

The Trojans had four meets postponed through last week. However, when they’ve been on the track or field, they boys have easily downed every opponent. They’ve stayed focused when it’s easy not to.

“Our coaches did a great job communicating workouts to our athletes for them to compete on their own,” said head coach Stephen Ott. “The dedication of our student-athletes showed because they completed them.”

Coaches can prepare their teams for competition, but ultimately, Ott says, it’s up to the kids.

“The ones that want to be good focused on moving forward,” he said. “We moved forward positively and made the most of the current situation we are in.”

On April 19, the Trojans easily defeated Allen 133-13. Parkland was dominant in all events and received several outstanding performances. Trey Tremba ran the 200-meter dash in 23.6 seconds, while teammate Mustapha Salau ran the 400 in 51.7 seconds. The time allowed Salau to acquire the number one overall EPC ranking. Another Parkland runner, Brady Hoffman, is having a fine season and that was the case against Allen, when he ran a 4:49.7 in the 1600-meter race.

Rhian Romain ran a 15.9 and 43.8 in the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdle competitions, respectively. His mark in the 110 race earned him the conference’s second overall ranking. Jimmy Kelly, a high jumper, earned a 5-foot, 11-inch mark in his sport, while pole vaulter Brian Warren earned a third ranking in the EPC with a 11-foot mark. Triple jumper Jimmy Kelly had a 38-foot, 3-inch mark while Andrew Nguyen was superb in the javelin throw with a 134-foot mark.

“We have a number of top athletes across each of the different areas,” said Ott. “The balance is key to having success as a team.”

Ott’s coaching staff has played a large role keeping the boys focused this season. Jumping coaches Will Robertson, Ryan Kleintop and Kelly Robertson, Doug Joseph, Paul Steward and Andrew Notareschi work with sprinter, while Doug Finley and Ott work with distance runners. The staff also features Dan Lewis, Denise O’Connell and Erik Troutman who focus on throws.

“Each area coach is responsible for attendance, daily workouts, meet preparation, lineups and fine tuning during meets,” said Ott. “There are a lot of moving parts in track and filed. I rely on their expertise and professionalism.”