For the second time in four years, the Jonathan Alder track team will have coaching changes. Both the boys’ and girls’ team will be receiving new head coaches. One familiar face will be on the coaching staff, as the team welcomes back long time throwing coach Rick Thorpe. Justin Creps is a teacher at the junior high and the high school’s head cross country coach, and will be coming in this year as the boys’ head coach. Alder alum Samantha McFarlane will be in charge of the team’s sprinters and girls’ team. The team will also be receiving a new position specialist this year; coach Tyler MacIntosh will serve as the girls’ team’s assistant and specialize in coaching both the long jumpers and high jumpers.
    The track team’s season starts with the first official day of practice, on March 7; however, the team spent the last couple of weeks training and conditioning. When asked if  these preparatory practices will help with the season, junior runner Aziza Ayoub said, “Preseason practices help a lot with injury prevention. It gives you a physical base so you’re not completely out of shape and you get to know the rest of the team and coaches.” The team hopes that many new faces, among the players and coaching staff, will help result in more success in this upcoming season.