The New Track and Field Coach, Mr. Nye, and His Experience Coaching the Indoor Track Season 2024. By: Caroline Keating

Mr. Nye has taken on new roles this winter and spring sports seasons. He is the newest addition to the coaching staff of Daniel Hand Track and Field. Mr Nye is the Boys' Indoor Track Head Coach and assistant jumping coach for the boys and girls Outdoor Track teams.

He decided to coach due to the many student-athletes persuading him during the school day. Before coaching this past indoor track season, Nye ran indoor and outdoor track in college, running different events including the 55m, 200m, 400m, 100m, 4x100, 4x400, and jumping the long jump.

“Running is a stride, a cadence, a breathing rhythm,” Mr. Nye said.

He said that he decided to run track in college because he was obsessed with running fast. Since then, Nye has spent more than 30 years coaching different teams.

Nye said that, because of his love for running, one of the hardest things about being a coach is seeing kids who don't want to put all of their effort into the sport. He said this past indoor track season was different.

“We have a lot of kids at Hand who are committed to doing well,” Nye said.

He said this was a big positive for him as a coach and something he did not always experience in his past coaching positions.

Nye said the best thing about coaching happens when kids exceed their expectations. He said that in track and field, there is as much disappointment as there is enthusiasm, which is what makes track so unique. An example of this, he said, was the 4x200 getting 2nd place at the SCC championship meet. He said it was great because out of all of the teams competing, the relay team was the 2nd best, but at the same time, it means another team beat them, creating disappointment.

When reflecting on the season, Nye said that something he would try to do better would be to schedule meets earlier in the season and stick with the schedule. Additionally, he said he is always trying to improve attendance at practice and making the team stay consistent. He also focused on making sure injured runners who needed time off took a break from their training when necessary.

“The winter track season was better than I expected.” Nye said.