The Wakefield indoor and outdoor track and field team strives to contend for the Championship this year. Coach Ann Graham, who volunteered for a couple years before becoming the head coach in 2009, tackles her coaching duties head on and aims for constant improvement.

“I try to provide great leadership, teaching, and discipline,” said Graham. “I run a very strict program. You have to want to be a part of the program and want to succeed because I don’t allow a lot of foolishness. You have to want to work hard and I push the athletes to be better on and off the field.”

Graham admits that some runners may describe her as being harsh or uncompromising, however, her goal for the team is indisputable: success.

“I put a lot of time and thought into how the team can continue to become successful,” said Graham. “I have a very low tolerance for those who don’t believe in their talents or the coaching practices of the team; I don’t like wasting my time or other people’s time.  I am dedicated to my coaching duties and I go above and beyond to make every experience valuable for the team. I expect in return the same dedication from those involved with the program.”

Junior, Alexandra McNamara, explained how Coach Graham inspires the team with her coaching.

“Coach Graham is a wonderful coach and an inspiration,” said McNamara. “She has a ton of experience and it transfers into our practices and workouts. She does a wonderful job helping control and coach the entire team with the help of volunteers – a nearly impossible task. She pushes us to act as a team which has created many friendships. It’s awesome to have a team to cheer you on in a race and keep pushing you during practice.”

While Graham pushes her players to perform at the best of their capability, the sport itself revolves considerably around self motivation.

“The thing about track is that, just like any sport, it takes a high level of commitment,” said senior, Angela Delfino. “Sometimes it’s long, hard, and tedious but doing all the little things and not cutting corners really helps me perform my best.  You have to be willing to give your best effort every day no matter what the conditions may be.”

Delfino plans to begin her college career at the University of Kentucky, where she will continue to run track.

Fellow track star senior, Dylan Peebles, has committed as well. He will attend North Carolina State University this fall.

“It was cool to get into State because that’s my dream school,” said Peebles. “That wasn’t my main goal, though. The main goal I want to accomplish is to break the all time record in the 300m this year.”

Although he has made his commitment, Peebles clearly has not lost sight of what he wants to accomplish.

“I’ve tried my hardest during practice every year, so it’s not any different [this year],” said Peebles. “Hard work and practice help me become successful.”

Peebles also has his family to thank for his success.

“My dad made me who I am,” said Peebles. “He was really fast and he gave me his genes.”

For those that have signed with colleges, Graham believes that various qualities and habits go hand in hand with their potential for future success.

“They should identify a definite purpose, goal or aim in life and then pursue it,” said Graham. “They should also be self disciplined and competitive, as those qualities are essential to success. It is a competitive world full of hungry people seeking to succeed and hard work separates the serious from the wishful thinkers. Furthermore, they should understand that optimistic people are more attractive and others will be inspired by them; an optimistic outlook is powerful. It gives you energy to work hard, keep at it and help you keep faith.”

With high hopes and hopeful hearts, the track stars are bound for more success.

“The most successful people are committed to continuous learning,” said Graham. “If you devote time to mastery, you will rise above the masses and distinguish yourself. You will lay the groundwork for success.”