By Ed Piper, Jr.
The numbers in La Jolla track increase. The numbers in La Jolla track tumble.
Huh?
Head Coach Paul Byrne says the number of athletes going out for the girls and boys track squads this season has grown by leaps and bounds (get the pun from the triple jump?)--about 130 in total.
The tumble? Not gymnastics--let's keep it to track and field--is the return of three runners on the spectacular Vikings girls 4x4 relay team who cut time, time, time off the previous record.
Last year, the sprinters, who each run one lap after receiving the handoff, set a San Diego Section record: 3:53.03. That's blazing.
The three veterans include sisters Sakura and Sierra Roberson, with Petra Eaton. The new addition will be Hannah Kinsey.
"I think so," responds Byrne thoughtfully while giving a test in his math class on the La Jolla High campus, in response to a reporter's comment that the Viking track team seems inclusive, doesn't favor stars, and draws so many student participants because of the positive atmosphere.
"They're coming out and having a good experience. Of course, there are star athletes on the team. I teach the new athletes. I also teach the seniors. There is no preference.
"It's a team atmosphere," the coach agreed. "There's camaraderie. It's supporting one another. Being there to congratulate them. It's about growing up, gaining maturity."
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