By PAIGE CARR

Staff writer

Peabody-Burns High School track team may lack depth, but has no shortage of competitive spirit and determination.

“We’re kind of where we thought we’d be with our lack of depth and how young we are,” said head coach Brian Simmonds.

“We have two shiners- sophomore Caleb VanCuren and freshman Sarah Spencer have both improved their times and are looking to get qualifying times to go to regionals.”

VanCuren competes in the 800 meter race and Spencer in the two mile.

“I knew Caleb was looking to go to regionals,” said Simmonds. “He finished sixth as a freshman.”

Simmonds said he is surprised and pleased to see Spencer improve as much as she has this year as a freshman.

“There are a couple more athletes that are on the verge that could qualify in the next couple of weeks, if they continue to make improvements in times and distances,” he said.

With the Warrior track team being only a couple weeks away from the league meet, Simmonds’ goals for his athletes remain steady.

“It is always our goal to try and peak at league and carry that performance into regionals for those that qualify,” he said.

Regardless of upcoming outcomes on the track or in the throwing circle, Simmonds commends his team on their attitudes and drive to succeed.

“Considering mainly having freshman and sophomores out competing against upperclassmen, we have shown a competitive spirit and improvement, even in the face of these challenges to work hard and get better,” he said.