The track and field teams began district competition at Marcus High School yesterday and will finish it today. The girls placed sixth overall at last year’s district meet with 65 points, and the boys placed second overall with 116 points. Both teams look to put up more points this time around for a higher placing.

Although the district meet is considered the most significant meet of the season, coach Ray White stays consistent with his coaching strategies.

“We keep things the same,” White said. “We try not to change things up right at district. The athlete needs to be comfortable and confident in what they are doing.”

Senior Rodrick Williams said he’s confident in his team’s ability to compete well at district.

“I think we’re a lot better than several of the other teams,” Williams said. “I’ve always felt this way about our track team because the speed and talent is here. Coach makes sure that everyone is doing their job and getting to practice in order to be where we need to be.”

White said he takes notice of the other teams in the competition as well as his own teams. However, White is assured that his athletes are prepared for the district meet.

“District will be a war,” White said.”Everyone is good and the competition level will be high. Sprints are our biggest strength, and the field events have been producing points also. We just need to perform well today.”

Williams praised his team for their optimism and approach in regards to today’s meet.

“Everybody has a positive attitude, and everybody wants to win it,” Williams said. “Now it just comes down to if we show up or not.”